By: Rex Stump
Wauseon, Ohio
Has someone promised you something, and they later broke that promise? Has someone ever let you down in a time of dire need? Whether it was intentional or not, it hurts, right? Jesus knows how it feels.
In Matthew 26:31-32, Jesus and his disciples were walking to the Garden of Gethsemane for a time of prayer. On the way Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me…But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”
Peter declared in verse 33, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” And all the other disciples vowed the same (verse 35).
They had a great devotion to Jesus. Their intentions were pure and heartfelt. Unfortunately, hours later Judas, representatives of the high priests, and a few hundred armed Roman soldiers arrived in the garden, interrupting their time of prayer.
Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi” as he gave Jesus the greeting of a kiss. (Matthew 26:49) Jesus stood silently, enduring the humiliation.
Peter took his sword from his robe and, with a flick of his wrist, Malchus, the servant of the high priest, lost his ear. What was Peter thinking? Bad aim? Calculated move? There were hundreds of armed men, with real weapons, and this one disciple begins with an ear.
Malchus screamed in pain and clutched the side of his head. Jesus intervened. He picked up the ear off the ground and simply reattached the ear.
A stunned silence fell over the crowd as Jesus turned to Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11). They seized and bound Jesus.
And the disciples? They ran, escaping the swords and the clubs. Just as Jesus predicted. Jesus knows how it feels to be abandoned and let down.
Truthfully, as devoted as we are to Jesus, we have failed at times to shine for Jesus. When others laugh at dirty jokes, gossip, use foul language, or cheat…we laugh in agreement, or worse join in.
We fail to live holy lives, act in obedience, give generously, speak truth, and even share the name of Jesus with others.
We don’t mean to disappoint and abandon Jesus, but it happens. Praise God, that Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Praise God that He forgives. Praise God that Jesus immediately met with these same disciples to reassure them His love remains forever faithful.
Messed up, running away like the disciples? Jesus understands and He still loves you. Stop running, start standing with Him.
Been abandoned? Jesus understands. You are not standing alone, for Jesus will not abandon you.
“Stay strong, stay focused…stay faithful!”
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Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.