Slices
Prepare
Have you ever felt let down by someone you trusted? It is not a nice feeling. Today we look on as Jesus is betrayed by Judas and deserted by his friends.
Bible passage
Jesus arrested
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Explore
Betrayed by a kiss: it seems a dreadful way to be singled out as the one the baying mob is looking for, but Judas has no conscience in greeting Jesus in this most tender of ways (v 49), such is his duplicity. Yet Jesus still calls him ‘friend’. What amazing forbearance.
Peter, identified by John as the one who drew his sword (John 18:10), responds with his familiar impetuosity and anger, as if force and violence are the way to deal with the situation. But this is not the way of Jesus, and he is rebuked (vs 52–54). Of course, Jesus could choose to resist, to fight back, but that is not the Father’s will. Thousands of angels would defend him, but the purpose of God demands a different path.
Jesus goes to the cross in full knowledge that in offering himself up he is fulfilling scripture and the plan of God (vs 54,56). No one takes his life from him. He lays it down of his own accord and experiences the pain of desertion of his disciples (v 56).
Respond
Most of us instinctively resist suffering and injustice. We want to fight back and defend ourselves. How does the example of Jesus challenge you? Notice how Peter, much later, speaks about how to face unjust suffering without retaliation (1 Peter 2:21–23).
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Deuteronomy 25,26; Romans 6
Pray for Scripture Union
Gifts Administrator Allison Highton is inspired and encouraged by the generosity of supporters and their stories of how God has led them to support our work. Pray for her and the rest of the Finance team asking that as the year-end accounts are prepared all will go smoothly.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
