“Faithfulness In The Midst of Betrayal” – MARK 14:17-31

It is perplexing to try to discern the overlapping and intertwined layers of Yahweh’s providence and the free will of men in light of the betrayal and crucifixion of His Christ.

If we look closely at what Jesus said, the matter clears up (14:21).

The sacrifice of the Lamb of God was predicted and inevitable. This event could not have been stopped by mortals, since Jesus was sacrificed from the foundation of the world (2 Peter 1:18-21) for the necessary purpose of redeeming people from sin. Although the event was certain, participation of the personalities in nailing the innocent Christ to the cross was by choice. Jesus pronounced a “woe” upon them, especially the disciple who would sell Him out for the price of a slave.

People will do what people will do in spite of the warnings of God.

The disciples’ response to Jesus’ announcement of a betrayer in their midst (14:18) was enlightening. Most did not make a statement of certainty of their fidelity (14:19), instead offering, “It’s not me, is it?” Contrasted with the faithfulness of Jesus, all of us have within us the ability to turn away from Jesus. I believe it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the presence of this truth in our mind and in our heart.

Think about it … if my salvation was dependant upon the strength of my faith “alone”, then I would be saved by myself and not by the grace and mercy and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

He is faithful in the midst of my wavering faith.

He is faithful to forgive even though I am unable to be free from sinning.

He was faithful to pay the price for a debt I cannot pay.

Every day that I live in the grace of Christ Jesus is a day full of choices that offer me a chance to betray Him. My faith must be in Him rather that in me.

Peter was more forceful than the others, speaking boldly that he would NEVER betray Jesus (14:29, 31). The others chimed in (14:31b), but Peter had gone out on a limb. Jesus knew what was about to happen (14:27), and Peter needed the shameful experience of denying Jesus before he was truly ready to serve Him (14:30). Not once, but three times before tomorrow. It seemed impossible, and I believe Peter fully believed the promise he made to Jesus.

The problem was that Peter did not appreciate his inherent ability to fall from grace. He still had a measure of faith “in Peter”. The resurrection was as certain as the crucifixion (14:28), but they each must choose to come back to Him.

Sadly, Judas would not.

Jesus knew we would need constant reminders of all of this, so He gave us the command to get together (the “body”) on the first day of each week to remind and remember (14:22-24).

We can fail, but Jesus did not.

We have lapses in our faithfulness, but Jesus is faithful to forgive (the “blood”). Jesus joins with us in our memorial (14:25) of body and blood. At that time, we need to understand that we are facing another week wherein we are fully capable of betraying our Savior. The only hope we have is in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ in the midst of betrayal.

Each time we stumble, He waits for our return.