SOLD OUT

Luke 22:1-6, 47-65

Back even before the Passover meal, the chief priests and scribes were trying to figure out how they might kill Jesus.  Satan entered into Disciple Judas so Judas went to the chief priests and scribes and struck a deal for thirty pieces of silver.

After Jesus had prayed in the garden, a multitude approached with Judas among them.  Judas came close to Jesus to kiss him.  “But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48  A kiss of betrayal.  A sign that this was the man you want.  Jesus.

One of his disciples asked if they should draw their swords and drew his sword.  He then cut off the right ear of a servant of the high priest.  Jesus immediately touched the ear and healed the servant.    Jesus, in the midst of turmoil, was still showing compassion.

“Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?  When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”  Luke 22:52, 53

They took Jesus, and led him to the house of the high priest.  Peter followed from far back. 

Some people made a fire in the midst of the hall and were sitting around—waiting to see what happened, I would guess.  Peter just sat there with them.  There was a woman there who spoke and said that Peter was with Jesus.  Peter replied, “Woman, I know him not.”  And after awhile, a man spoke up and said to Peter, “Thou art also of them.”  Peter again said, “Man, I am not.”

“And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.  And Peter said, Man I know not what thou sayest.  And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.  And the Lord turned , and looked upon Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.  And Peter went out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:59-62

In my mind’s eye as I picture that look between Jesus and Peter, I can picture the agony in both sets of eyes.  How many times have I wept bitterly over wrong decisions and painful times?  There’s no weeping like a bitter weeping.  

As for Judas, Matthew 27:3-10 says that when he saw he was condemned, he repented himself and brought the thirty pieces of silver back to the chief priests and scribes saying that he had sinned and betrayed the innocent blood.  The chief priests and scribes were very uncaring.  Judas threw down the silver, left and went and hanged himself.  As for the silver, the chief priests found it unlawful to put back into the treasury as they were the price of blood so they bought a potter’s field in which to bury strangers. 

Sold out.  Denied.  So sad.