August 6 Stand

Luke 22:23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
 
THE Passover meal has become a very serious matter. As the Good Shepherd’s closest earthly family gathered and ate, he spoke a series of sad, disturbing words. Jesus spoke of being eager to eat the Passover with his disciples “before I suffer” (verse 15). Jesus had committed his “body given for you” (verse 19), offered his “blood poured out for you” (verse 20) and then declared “woe to the man who betrays him” (verse 21). 
    John 13 records what happened next. The disciples then asked, “Lord who is it?” Then Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, 28 but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. (John 13:25-28) Jesus told of betrayal. The disciples asked, “Who?” Jesus answered with physical actions and clear words. Still, the disciples did not understand. They began to look for an answer “among themselves”. What’s happened here?
    You do understand, don’t you? The disciples are as we are. They seemed to want to know who would betray Jesus. But their concern quickly turned from the Savior to themselves. Did they not believe Jesus? Even more, did each one not trust his own relationship with the Lord? 
    The disciples have been through three turbulent years with the Son of God. They have watched miraculous healings, bodily resurrections, spiritual healing and even natural laws changed with a word from Jesus. Jesus has been vilified and glorified among his people. Still, they were very unsure of what would happen next. As they wondered who would betray Jesus, it seems they are wondering more, “Who am I? Am I capable of such a thing? Should each one, save Judas, have been so sure of his love for the Lord he would have stood to surround and defend Jesus?
    What would you do if your pastor this Sunday said, “One of you will betray Jesus tonight?” Would you question, “Is it I?” unsure your commitment to the Good Shepherd? Or would you stand sure against such a challenge?
    As a Christian, we all face turbulent, transforming times in our faith journey. We see God powerfully act. Also, we wait as he is silent. Sometimes we betray him with our sins. Other times we glorify him with loving and faithful witness.
    As the disciples, we do not know what will happen next. Be aware of temptations to betray Jesus. Steadfastly stand with your Good Shepherd. Proclaim your faith. Trust that his rod and his staff will comfort you (Psalm 23:4b) amid life’s turbulent times.
 
Prayer: Lord God, I pray when I consider my relationship with you, I will always stand with you. Amen.