THE DAILY

Betrayal x 2! by Kim [Luke 22:47-71]

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Peter Denies Jesus

54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Jesus Is Mocked

63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

Jesus Before the Council

66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”

This is always such a difficult section of scripture to read. It illustrates so clearly how we struggle to see what is real, what is true, what is good, what is right even when He is right in front of us. We struggle to see Jesus at work in our lives and on God’s redemptive mission. 

It also shows us the struggle that we have in our inner man. What we would like to do (Peter would’ve liked to have had the courage to stand up for Jesus), we don’t do. Instead, too often, the fear of man surpasses the fear of God.  

Praise the Lord that God doesn’t leave us there, in our poor choices and in our helplessness. He comes to us! He makes a way so we don’t have to remain in our sin. Luke 22:61 captures an intimate moment when Jesus sees Peter in the midst of sin and has compassion. In the midst of the chaos of Jesus’s questioning, the rooster, and the accusations, Luke records that “the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” I wonder what those eyes communicated to Peter on that day? 

Jesus is our Emmanuel, God with us. Today He is taking us by the hand. He is looking intently into our eyes, our hearts, calling us to believe that He is our Savior and Redeemer, the Son of God who came to earth to take away the sins of the world and offer us eternal life. 

Will we walk as one who believes that this is true today?

- Kim Williams

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ What was Jesus “still speaking”  and to whom when he was interrupted by Judas’s betrayal kiss? See Luke22:47 and 22:39-46

+ How do we know according to the Word of God that Jesus was not surprised by Judas? See Mat 26:21 Mat 26:23, Mar 14:18. Why does this matter?

+  What does Jesus do about the violence that erupts? Luke 22:49-52 

+ What is radically earth-shattering about what happens?

+ Jesus tells his betrayers that this is their “hour.” What does this infer? Luke 22:53

+ Jesus predicts Peter’s denial in Mat 26:34, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34 and John 13:38. As a reader, we know it is coming. Why does his actual betrayal always “surprise us?”

+ Knowing Jesus’s character, discuss what He might have communicated to Peter when their eyes met? How did Peter respond?

 + How does Jesus respond to his mockers? How was this prophesied in Isaiah 53:7?

 + Why does Jesus not answer the counsel directly according to verse 67? 

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What gets in your way of seeing Jesus for who He is? How can you intentionally work to remove some of those obstacles?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step? (e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org) 

+ What truths about God and His Word are we learning first and then helping others remember on our journey. How can we be more intentional about doing so?

+Who am I discipling as I live and grow and learn to obey Jesus? If this hasn’t been a priority, pray today about who God wants you to reach out to in His Name.

+Who and where do I look to know what is true? Who do I trust to hold me accountable to living out this truth? 

Jesus and Pilate, by Monica (Luke 23:1-25)

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Jesus Before Herod

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”1

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

The tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders has culminated. They have waited for an opportunity to get rid of Jesus; they have accused him of blasphemy in their religious courts, and now they take him to the Roman authorities and paint him as a political troublemaker, the King of the Jews, to garner a death sentence. Neither Pilate nor Herod see Jesus as guilty or deserving of death, but neither will Pilate stand against the mob of angry Jews crying out for Jesus’ death.

Of course, we must remember that though Jesus is unjustly accused, he is not truly a helpless victim. He is the God of the universe and he had the power to change the situation, but he chose to endure it. Out of His great love for us and obedience to the Father’s will, Jesus accepted a death sentence he did not deserve so that He might be the true Passover lamb, the perfect spotless sacrifice that would bear the sins of the people. 

- Monica Godfrey

 [ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)+ In what sense is the charge “the king of the Jews” true and in what sense is it false? 

+ Why does Pilate send Jesus to Herod? 

+ Why does Herod send Jesus back to Pilate? 

+ If Pilate is convinced of Jesus’ innocence, why does he sentence him to death? 

+ What does this account demonstrate about the nature and character of Jesus? 

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Reflect on Christ’s humility and full obedience to the Father’s will. How can you respond to Christ? 

+ What aspect of His character do you desire to practice more fully? Ask the Holy Spirit to make you more like Christ in that way.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step? (e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

+Is there someone you know who needs to hear of Christ’s innocence and sacrificial love?

Remember Me, by David [Luke 23:26-43]

26 As they led him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd of people followed him, including women who were mourning and lamenting him. 28 But turning to them, Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children. 29 Look, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the women without children, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’, 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two others—criminals—were also led away to be executed with him. 33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”, And they divided his clothes and cast lots.

35 The people stood watching, and even the leaders were scoffing: “He saved others; let him save himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him. They came offering him sour wine 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!”

38 An inscription was above him: This Is the King of the Jews.

39 Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.”

43 And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This passage invites us into the lives of two criminals.  They were both being punished justly for their actions, yet they responded to Jesus in two different ways.  One seemed arrogant, while the other was honest and only asks Jesus to remember him.  Jesus responds with these wonderful words “truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”.  This is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone from the reach of God’s grace.  Today, may we have the humility to admit our need and look to the Savior who still says, “You will be with me.”

- David

[ WHAT ]  is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Who is Simon? What did he do?

+ What does Jesus say about weeping? What reasons do you think He says this?

+ What does Jesus mean when He says, today you will be with me in paradise?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step? (e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

+ What is my next step?

Those around the Cross, by John [Luke 23:44-56]

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.

54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

The death of Jesus is surprising. Upon Jesus’ death, day turns to night. The boundary between God and humans is torn. A centurion praises God, declaring Jesus innocent. God incarnate returns his breath to the Father. Those who were close to Jesus stand at a distance, meanwhile, a member of the council that had sentenced Jesus to death arranges for an honorable burial. It seems that in his death, those around the cross have their lives profoundly impacted by Jesus. Those who are hard-hearted find repentance, while those who were close seem far away, their expectations subverted and dashed to pieces. Jesus’ enemies quickly turn toward him while his friends seem distant by comparison. The love of God is put on display. God has no true enemies. All humanity is in the crosshairs of his saving love.

Grace and Peace

–John Barzal

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?(write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Do these verses contain any moments that are surprising? Why?

+ What is Joseph of Arimathea’s role? Why is he an unlikely character?

+ What does Jesus’ death reveal about his attitude or disposition toward humans?

+ What does Jesus’ death, especially as portrayed by this passage, reveal about the nature of humans?

+ What are other ways that Jesus’ death is surprising?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What can we do to cultivate a reverence or awe for Jesus’ death?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step? (e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

+ What is my next step?

He Is Not Here, by Aaron [Luke 24:1–12]

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”  8 Then they remembered his words.  9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Resurrection hope begins with remembering. The women who came to mourn Jesus were prepared to anoint a dead body, but they found an empty tomb instead. God, in his mercy, sent angelic messengers to both startle and comfort them: “He is not here; he has risen!” (v6). But what moved the story from confusion to clarity was this line: “Remember how he told you...” (v6).

In grief and shock, it’s easy to forget the promises of God. These women had walked with Jesus, heard him speak plainly of his suffering and resurrection, but sorrow had dulled their memory. When reminded, their hearts reignited—and they became the first to proclaim the resurrection.

Still, disbelief lingers in the hearts of the others. The apostles dismiss the report as “nonsense” (v11). But Peter runs. He looks. He wonders. In the slow unfolding of this resurrection reality, we are invited to remember Jesus' words, respond in faith, and share this world-shaking news.

-Aaron Rosa

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Why did the women come to the tomb? What were they expecting?
+ What does the angel’s question, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” reveal about their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission?
+ How did remembering Jesus’ words change their perspective?

[ HOW ]  is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+Are there areas in your life where grief, fear, or confusion have caused you to forget God’s promises?
+ Take time today to remember something Jesus has said—perhaps a Scripture or a moment of clarity from the Spirit—and ask the Lord to breathe resurrection hope into that area.
+ Write a brief prayer of remembrance and trust.

[ WHO ]am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step? (e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

+ Who in your life is currently in a “Saturday” moment—grieving, confused, feeling like God is silent?
+ How can you come alongside them and gently remind them of Jesus’ words and presence?