Reading through the book of Matthew this morning, I came across this little phrase that struck me...
"But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”"
The Lord looked with love on the one who was betraying Him.
Obviously we cannot hear the tone in which the Lord spoke it but what tender compassion He displayed for the man who was by that time personally indwelt by the enemy.
How amazing that our Saviour would condescend to call any human "friend" but at that moment in those circumstances is past comprehension!
He knew the depths of depravity and He still chose such a gracious loving response!!
I don't think I've ever suffered betrayal, but knowing our human nature I would imagine I would not feel at all kindly towards a betrayer.
Only recorded in Matthew's account, Mark and John say nothing of Jesus's words to Judas in the garden of Gethsemane, while Luke recorded another equally challenging sentence, "But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”"
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
Thank You Lord Jesus for being willing to suffer such treatment because You love and forgive those who put their trust in You!
Heavenly Father please help us and keep us from treachery. How we need Your Grace and Mercy to live a life that will bring honour and glory to Your Holy Name!
I find it truly remarkable that Jesus spoke this to all His disciples...
"for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God."
Thank You Heavenly Father for such a precious gift! We believe and are saved because You enabled us to hear and respond! Thank You for demonstrating Your great love and compassion for us!
No comments:
Post a Comment