Bible Study with Danelle

Yesterday, we found Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and becoming upset with Peter, James, and John for falling asleep while waiting.

As Jesus is still speaking to the disciples, Judas, the one who has betrayed him comes up and kisses Him. This was the sign to the guards to seize Jesus. There is a scuffle and one of the disciples cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant and all of the disciples scatter. (Just as Jesus had predicted.)

Peter, however, follows them to the courtyard where Jesus is put in front of the council. They do a “trial” of sorts calling up “witnesses” who lie about the things Jesus has said or done. Jesus says nothing, and they declare He is guilty of blasphemy and sentence Jesus to death.

As this is happening, Peter is recognized by a girl in the crowd as one of Jesus’ disciples. And, as predicted, Peter denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows.

As I read this section of scripture, I don’t know the lesson, but I am putting myself looking from a bird’s eye view. Here is a man that many people believe is the Christ. The one they have waited for so many years to come. I just keep thinking about how blind the Pharisees must have been. How could they not see that Jesus really was the Messiah? How did they not see that everything about him lined up with prophesies? But, I have the advantage of knowing the ending that they did not know. I know what happens on Sunday. I know what happened afterward. AND, I know what is coming.

I honestly feel sorry for the religious leaders that were too blind to see who Jesus is. If they only knew how their lives on earth and eternity might end differently.

I feel the same way about people today. Those that don’t know Jesus. They don’t have a relationship with Him. They have not experienced Him. Their heart not open to receive Him.

Today I pray for those that are blinded by the world and have not opened their eyes to Jesus. I pray that this Easter, it is different for them. I pray they fully understand what Jesus did for them, who He is, and how much He loves them.

As we begin this solemn time of reflection these next few days, reflect on what Jesus did for YOU and remember the joy that comes Sunday morning.