While He was speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. Which him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer has arranged a signal with them: The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him. Going at once to Jesus, Judas said greetings, Rabbi, and kissed Him.
Jesus replied, do what you came for, friend.
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested Him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
Put your sword back in its place, Jesus said to him, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?
In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
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I want to focus on one line from Jesus. He told Judas to do what he came to do…friend. Jesus, even in the moment He is being betrayed by one of His closest friends…calls him friend. Wow! Today, put yourself in Judas’ shoes. Some of you have such a hard time forgiving yourself…but understand that even as you’re sinning against God, He calls you friend. Let that sink in today. You are called friend. Find peace in that today.
A Journey With Jesus 