Pastor’s Thought for The Month October 2022
As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.”
(Mark 14:18)
I would never betray the Lord! Each of His disciples solemnly began to plead their loyalty to Jesus. As they partook in conversation and a meal together in the comfort and security of the upper room, the disciples could not imagine themselves ever wavering in their loyalty to Jesus. However, He looked at them, or dare I say He looked through them, and said, “One of you who eats with Me will betray Me!” This is not speculation or conjecture. As surely as Christ is sitting there with the disciples, He is keenly aware of all the conversations and moves that have taken place and the plan that is being put in motion. How was it possible to share such an intimate and profound moment with the Christ, and then rush so quickly toward betrayal and spiritual failure?
During the intense pressures of Gethsemane and the cross, the disciples did things they never thought they would do. They had no idea how cruel and hateful the world around them could be to their Master. Jesus had cautioned them “the world would hate them because it hated Him” (John 15:18–21; 16:33). But Jesus, and Jesus alone knew the full extent of the temptation they would face. In the pressure of the moment the heart does surprising things. Scripture had predicted Judas would betray Jesus, despite having walked with Him for over three years. But Peter, too, would deny Him, and all would forsake Him.
How quickly the surroundings of our life can shift from the security and tranquility of an upper room, to the harsh reality of Gethsemane and the cross. Guard your heart. Listen to the Lord’s gentle warnings: the failure that was possible with His first disciples is also possible with you and me. We are all capable of forsaking Him, just as the first disciples did. Stand strong Brothers and Sisters—not every test is announced ahead of time!
Be Joyful, Be Prayerful, Be Thankful!
Pastor