+ Read Scripture
Matthew 26:47-56
47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him and fled.
Talk Sheet Questions
Have you ever been betrayed by someone close? What did you learn that helps you understand Jesus’ situation here?
Make a list of 12 observations you think might be important in these verses.
Would you have reacted to this situation like the disciples did in verse 51 or in verse 56? Or, both? Explain.
How does Jesus’ confidence about the army of angels relate to his prayer in the garden we read in the preceding section?
Twice it says “that the Scriptures be fulfilled.” What is it that needs to be fulfilled?
Prayer
Pray that we would love Jesus, who was betrayed, so that we might be accepted by God.