ABANDONED & ALONE

READ: Luke 22:39-71; 23:13-24

ANSWER THIS: Have you ever felt lonely, and abandoned by your friends? And, if so, when was that?

THE BREAKDOWN

Following the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus leads them toward the Mount of Olives, where he previously encountered people singing and praising his arrival.

Once there, he cautions the disciples not to give in to temptation, then walks ahead to pray. It’s a gut-wrenching prayer, as he asks God to spare him the torture he’s about to go through, but says he’s willing to endure it if that’s what God wants. An angel shows up to give him strength, but he’s still in such turmoil he starts to sweat blood. He then returns to the now-sleeping disciples and cautions them again not to give in to temptation.

Suddenly, a crowd led by Judas approaches to take Jesus captive. Judas identifies Jesus to the crowd by kissing him, and the disciples prepare to fight on Jesus’ command. Peter (identified in John 18:10) draws his sword and cuts off the ear of a slave standing in the crowd, whom Jesus then miraculously heals.

Jesus peacefully surrenders, and as they take him away, Peter follows. Soon, Peter is recognized as one of the disciples, but three times he denies it. Following his third denial, a rooster crows, fulfilling what Jesus predicted during the Passover meal (see Day 24). Then, Peter runs away weeping.

Though Jesus is unfairly accused, cursed, beaten, and whipped, he never denies he claimed to be the Son of God.

And, the same crowd that once sang and praised his arrival, is now shouting for him to be crucified—an agonizing execution where criminals are hung on a cross until they suffocate to death.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Jesus knew this day would come. And it was as awful as he anticipated it would be.

The crowds who once shouted praises to him were now shouting for his execution. His best friends have scattered. One, Judas, betrayed him for pocket change. Another, Peter, denied even knowing him. Everyone had abandoned him.

Even God seemed silent, and indifferent to what was happening to him.

This was the darkest and loneliest time in Jesus’ life.

If you’ve ever thought Jesus couldn’t possibly relate to what you’re going through during the most difficult time of your life, think again.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME?

One of the worst things to go through in life is feeling like you’re all alone, at a time when you need someone the most. Yet, we can be comforted knowing God is with us and knows our pain. Even if you feel like He’s not near, or doesn’t even care. He is, and He does.

Knowing He loves us, and is always with us, can give us the strength and comfort to make it through the darkest and loneliest days of our lives.

PRAYER

“God, there are days I feel totally alone, and find it hard to just get out of bed. I feel the tiniest bit of hope knowing You’re near, and You’ll take care of me, even if it doesn’t seem like You are, or will. It’s times like these I need Your help to make it through the day.”