What Jesus Did! 'A Traitor in Our Midst' — Luke 9:43-45

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God's power [when Jesus cast an evil spirit out of a boy].

While everyone was marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, "Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies." But they didn't know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn't understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

— Luke 9:43-45 NLT

Key Thought

At this moment of glory in Jesus' ministry — he had just been transfigured and affirmed by the Father, had shown his healing power, and was being praised by those around him — Jesus reminded his disciples that treachery and betrayal lay ahead. While they could not understand it at that point, they would remember it. Failure, even horrible and colossal failure, on the part of those we hold dear is always a possibility. We are flawed human beings who often fail each other. We must not let the failure, even the total failure, of those whom we admire destroy our faith. Jesus warned his disciples that his betrayal and death lay ahead, and even though they could not yet understand it, they would remember and not be destroyed in their faith. We must not be destroyed by such things, either.

Today's Prayer

Father, the failure of those that I love and trust hurts so badly. Please don't let their failure keep me from the joy you have given me in Christian fellowship and the hope I have in you. Please, dear Father, help me not to be a failure and a disappointment to others. Also, please help me remember that many of Jesus' greatest servants failed at one time or another and that you redeemed and powerfully used them to reach others with your power and grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 22:31-32
  • John 21:15-21
  • 2 Corinthians 2:5-8

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:43-45 NLT — "Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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