Luke 22:21

"But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table."

'Guess who's coming to dinner? My betrayer! I can't wait. O' but wait a minute, he's My betrayer, the one who has been My friend for over three years. He's walked where I walked, slept where I slept, ate where I ate, listened to what I preached, "practiced" what I taught, and loved by My side. Now he shall turn his back on Me and have Me slain at the hands of evildoers. I shall dine with him this one last time, knowing he's My enemy and that he shall be the first domino among many that will fall and eventually topple My life. I shall love him tonight, but I shall also not hinder him from following through with his heinous act.'

Thus was my Jesus, my Lord on the night in which He was betrayed. If it were me, knowing what Jesus knew, I would have run for the hills. But not only did Jesus not run, He invited, He welcomed Judas into His bosom. How could that be? He fixed His eyes on the prize set before Him (cf. Hebrews 12:2). He couldn't look down or out, He had to look up. Any other gaze might have discouraged or dissuaded Him, but for His divine nature. Jesus welcomed His unjust accusers to stand by His side because they were not a threat to His life, but a means to His glory.

How might I be like Jesus the night in which He was betrayed? My enemies are hardly known by me. Who are they anyway? They're the ones I've avoided my whole life. They're the ones whose absence makes my life comfortable and risk free. They're the ones who are repelled by my love for Jesus but know not that I love Him. I just simply must be more bold for Christ today, no matter what the cost. But rather than seek out my enemies, whoever they are, I pray I might welcome discomfort with an eye directed up. I pray I might see hardship as a means to His power and glory. I pray I might pursue the rugged road less traveled that it might lead me to Jesus.

'Lord, bring my betrayers to me at the table where I dine. Deliver me with fortitude found in a heavenly pursuit. Give me the supernatural love, compassionate spirit and anxiety-free soul found only in the Spirit that's taken residence in me.'