Maundy Thursday - Betrayal and Intercession

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 "You will know which one to arrest when I go over and give the kiss of greeting." Judas Iscariot, Matthew 26;48 NLT

Betrayal robs more than loyalty; it robs the soul. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, one of the inner circle of Jesus, accepts thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. His actions demonstrate a lack of sincere commitment to Jesus. Afterwards, disgraced and without asking for reconciliation, Judas takes his own life. Judas, the pretender.

"I swear by God, I don't know this man you're talking about." Peter, disciple of Christ, Mark 14:71

As Jesus gathers His disciples together one last time, He tells them that they would all desert Him. Peter's loyalty disagrees, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never." But just as Jesus predicts, three times Peter denies knowing Christ. When he realized he has betrayed his own vow, Peter breaks down and cries. Later, after the resurrection, Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" Peter responds each time, "Yes, Lord, I love You!" Jesus restores Peter, tells him, "Follow Me." Peter becomes the first great leader of the early church. Peter, the rock.

READ John 17

consider this!

- Meditate on this beautiful prayer that Jesus prays. For whom is He praying?

- This prayer is call the "High Priestly Prayer." Why do you think it is called that?

- Do I ask Jesus to intercede for me?

Eternal Intercessor, my prayers rise to You, full of wordless gratitude for undeserved grace. Forgive me when I betray You in my deeds and with my words. Sin is the easier choice. But You have restored me with Amazing Grace. You call, "Follow Me!" I reply, "Lord, I love You!" Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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