The Plot - Part 2 [Notes]

One of the lessons we can learn from the Easter story is that you can do everything right and still end up on a cross. Though Jesus never wronged anyone, he faced opposition from all those He came to save. Consider the religious and civic leaders who indicted Him, the crowd that yelled, "crucify Him," the disciples who abandoned Him, and even the criminals who hung beside Him, hurling insults. Yet, Jesus responded with remarkable love, patience, and forgiveness.

What lessons can we learn from His example? Join us as we begin a new series titled "The Plot" and look at how Jesus handled the most difficult week of His life.

Today's Takeaway // When you are betrayed — look to Jesus.

Now it is not an enemy who insults me — otherwise I could bear it; it is not a foe who rises up against me — otherwise I could hide from him. But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!
– Psalm 55:12-14 (CSB)

“Betrayal is the sense of being harmed by the intentional actions or omissions of a trusted person. The most common forms of betrayal are harmful disclosures of confidential information, disloyalty, infidelity, dishonesty. They can be traumatic and cause considerable distress. The effects of betrayal include shock, loss and grief, morbid pre-occupation, damaged self-esteem, self-doubting, anger. Not infrequently they produce life-altering changes. The effects of a catastrophic betrayal are most relevant for anxiety disorders, and OCD and PTSD in particular.”
– Stanley Rochman

Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
– John 13:1 (CSB)

Now when it was time for supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Him.
– John 13:2 (CSB)

"But there are some among you who don’t believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning those who did not believe and the one who would betray Him.)
– John 6:64 (CSB)

Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God. So He got up from supper, laid aside His outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.
– John 13:3-5 (CSB)

It was a mark of honor for a host to provide a servant to wash a guest’s feet; it was a breach of hospitality not to provide for it.  
– Edwin A. Blum

When Jesus had said this, He was troubled in his spirit and testified, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
– John 13:21 (CSB)

Tarassō: to be disturbed, to stir or agitate, to roil or muddy the waters.  

The disciples started looking at one another — uncertain which one He was speaking about. One of His disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close beside Jesus. Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was He was talking about. So he leaned back against Jesus and asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
– John 13:22-25 (CSB)

Jesus replied, “He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.” When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. After Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him. So Jesus told him, “What you’re doing, do quickly.” None of those reclining at the table knew why He said this to him. Since Judas kept the money-bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor. After receiving the piece of bread, he immediately left. And it was night.
– John 13:26-30 (CSB)

When Jesus gave the bread to Judas, it was interpreted as an act of love and honor. In fact, Judas was seated at the place of honor, so our Lord’s actions were seen in that light. He was bestowing a special honor on Judas.
– Warren Wiersbe

He went out and made His way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. When He reached the place, he told them, “Pray that you may not fall into temptation.” Then He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. Being in anguish, He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. When He got up from prayer and came to the disciples, He found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief. “Why are you sleeping?” He asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t fall into temptation.”
– Luke 22:39-46 (CSB)

While He was still speaking, suddenly a mob came, and one of the Twelve named Judas was leading them. He came near Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Then one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.
– Luke 22:47-50 (CSB)

But Jesus responded, “No more of this!” And touching his ear, He healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple police, and the elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal? Every day while I was with you in the temple, you never laid a hand on me. But this is your hour—and the dominion of darkness.”
– Luke 22:51-53 (CSB)

How do we position ourselves to respond like Christ?

This is Our God // You Keep Hope Alive // Worthy of My Song // Beloved

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