Jesus prayed in agony all night long, going to the Father, three times with the same question, “Is there any way out of this? Is this what YOU want?” After the third time, Jesus was at peace, knowing He was doing the will of the Father who sent Him. Scripture must be fulfilled. Jesus came seek and to save lost people then and forever. The final act in His mission is about to take place. It begins with betrayal of a follower and friend.

Judas comes to the Garden of Agonizing Prayer with a customary greeting, “How are you, Rabbi? (not really wanting to know) along with a light kiss on the cheek, as a sign to indicate, “This One”, He is the One” to the religious leaders of that day who wanted to destroy the mission of Jesus.

Matthew 26, The Message

With Swords and Clubs
47-49 The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him.

50-51 Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?”

Then they came on him—grabbed him and roughed him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant, cut off his ear.

52-54 Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?”

55-56 Then Jesus addressed the mob: “What is this—coming out after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I have been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. You’ve done it this way to confirm and fulfill the prophetic writings.”

Then all the disciples cut and ran.

Was Judas the only betrayer? ALL the disciples “cut and ran”. Scripture is fulfilled. Only Jesus saves. He went through the agony of beating, mocking, betrayal and then ultimately nailed to the cross…for you…for me…for ALL who believe and He went this path alone. He took on the sin of mankind. God, The Father, because of our sin Jesus carried to the cross had to turn away until this sin was conquered and the debt paid. ONLY Jesus, The One and Only, the perfect One who knew no sin, the Lamb of God, could have done this for us.

So, “Why the charade?”, Jesus asks Judas. Sometimes Jesus asks us the same question…”Why the charade?” Truth is the Person of Jesus Christ. We must lay down the games we play as we try to “one up” each other. Love Truth, live Truth. The Truth is in Philippians 2…Jesus made Himself nothing…

New Living Translation:
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Dear Heavenly Father, As we read the familiar story of the betrayal kiss of death that ultimately led to our salvation, we are moved to evaluate our lives and remove anything that is “playacting”. We do not want to hear from You, “why the charade?” Help us to live our lives believing and behaving more and more like You, even if it means losing what we think we need to gain more of You in us. Do what you must in us. But be gentle. Help us to develop Your attitude in all things. In Jesus Name, Amen