Abandoned by His Disciples
Devotional by Raegan Wolff
Read Zechariah 13:7 & Matthew 26:31-56
Zechariah 13:7
The Shepherd Struck
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd,
against the man who stands next to me,”
declares the Lord of hosts.
“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered;
I will turn my hand against the little ones.
Matthew 26:31-56
31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Devotional
Betrayed by one, now abandoned by the rest. In a garden, in the darkness of night, Jesus is left without His followers and closest friends. He is left alone to endure the coming hours of trials, beatings, mocking, and, eventually, the cross—alone, with no one to stand up for Him or stand with Him.
In the Garden of Eden was where betrayal against God started, and now, in the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayal and abandonment against Jesus fulfill prophecy, revealing He is our awaited Redeemer.
Just hours before the arrest of Jesus and the scattering of His disciples into the night, Peter boldly proclaimed that even if all the others left Him, he never would. He would die for Jesus. Where is Peter now? Where are the others who claimed they loved Him, who saw firsthand the miracles and signs of the promised Messiah? Where is their faith in their Lord? Fear overcame their faith—but only for a moment in time.
He had just told them, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Yet they slept while He prayed.
Even when Jesus knew what was coming—the betrayal, the abandonment, the trials, torture, and crucifixion—He was thinking of His disciples.
He gave them a final encouragement: “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee” (Matthew 26:32).
They would see Him again. He would rise from the dead. Their faith would be restored.
When you think you’ve lost your faith in your Lord and Savior, Jesus, look for encouragement in His Word. Not all is lost in the darkness. Fear cannot steal your faith. It is only the beginning of the end. We will see Jesus again. No matter how dark it gets, watch and pray. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Action Step: Start preparing your heart now for the weekend ahead! We’ve put together a playlist of the songs we’ll be singing on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Whether you’re driving, walking, or doing dishes, press play and let these songs fill your week with anticipation. Click here to listen.
I would end up saying that I saw this on King of Kings with Mark Hamill and that it is the same picture on how it is showing of the fact that even in a hopeless situation like Matt Redman song Never Once. I would also think in reference of the fact that it is the best way that God is not the absent father because it would be the perfect movie to reference on this post and for these devotions as well.
Father God, help me to stand fast, unwavering, focused on kingdom work.
AMEN!
IN JESUS PRECIOUS NAME, AMEN.✝🕊📖🙏
I am loving this reading and devotional. This really caught my attention. I never put the two together…the two gardens.
In the Garden of Eden was where betrayal against God started, and now, in the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayal and abandonment against Jesus fulfill prophecy, revealing He is our awaited Redeemer.
Yes, interesting thought. One more reminder of the mercy God shows us no matter how many times we rebel and turn from Him.
The flesh wants us to betray praying to Jesus and following the world of Babylon. However, through betrayal and abandonment, Jesus paved the way and died on the cross to pay for our sins just so that we can live and he rose again so that we can see Jesus again. This is a reminder to always fight our flesh and continue to stay strong and consistent with Jesus even through the dark and hard times. A lot of the time, we really want to give up or believe that Jesus gives up and betrays or abandons us simply because we’re in the dark or we give up, but the difference between the world and our Lord and Savior, Jesus, he forgives us everyday and gives us grace and the opportunity to repent and live by him everyday, so we must trust in Jesus and forgive ourselves while allowing him to forgive us in order to live peacefully. Amen!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5
Do not be dismayed or troubled. In our devotion, these words touched my heart: “ He is left alone to endure the coming hours of trials, beatings, mocking, and, eventually, the cross—alone, with no one to stand up for Him or stand with Him.”. Betrayed and hurt! This powerful statement brings us hope because he went through this so that we never Stand Alone! He is always with us. He Stands With Us through any “trials” or similar situations. When we need hope and an answer He is there and He Stands With Us! Forever, I will exalt His Name!
I’m encouraged by that reminder that fear cannot steal your faith. True and lasting faith survives moments of doubt and hopelessness. His Spirit at work in us is able to cause our hearts to be fully committed to the Lord, no matter the season or the feelings. Help me Lord, walk humbly before you and to follow you forever.
I just cannot imagine how heartbroken Jesus felt. After all, he was part human. Some translations go deeper with just how sorrowful he was when he was asking God to “remove this cup” from him. He was in agony asking God, “please… If there’s any way I don’t have to do this, please make it stop.” But within the same prayer he said, “but it’s not what I want, it’s what you want.” He knew his purpose, he knew the plan… the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.
What a beautiful reminder of how we should pray when facing trials. When we experience agony, pain, or earthly suffering… “God, please, if there’s any way I don’t have to go through this, please make it stop. But, it’s not my will, your will be done.” We know God has a plan for our lives to give us hope and a future. Even through the trials, we should seek to follow God’s plan and not our own.
After all, God had a beautiful plan in place – Jesus followed God’s plan. Through betrayal, through lies and deception, through being yelled at, spit on, beaten so bad that his intestines were visible, and eventually hung on a cross in front of everyone to die – he followed God’s plan. He went through ALL of it for you and me. He loves us that much.
Thank you Jesus.
“The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 63:1-6
Oh Father, who am I to think I am any different than these disciples… Will I stand up like Peter and say “I will never fall away…”? Forgive me Father for your Spirit in me is strong, but my flesh is weak… Strengthen & equip me Father so that I may serve You more fully…
Jesus. “Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”
Great point_
A story that never grows old…only more dear as I grow older!
Joy and hope and renewal comes with Easter; praise God!
Before the soldiers came and while His disciples slept, Jesus had the opportunity to silently slip away. Instead, in humble obedience to His Father and because of His great love for us He chose to stay and endure the cross. Oh, what a Savior!
Lord your word is true. We are weak in this flesh and fear will come. But you also promised to meet us there , just like you promised the disciples to meet them in Galilee, and you did. I pray that you will always meet us at the point of our need and strengthen us by your presence. May we always seek your presence and your perfect will for our lives. Thank you Jesus. Amen
Thank you Jesus for not giving up in humanity, knowing that we will betrayed you, knowing that our flesh is weak, You didn’t give up and fulfilled your purpose. Thank you for meeting me in my weakness, I want to seek your presence everyday, and walk in your will everyday. Thank you Jesus for your love!
I felt the angst of this passage vividly during a Holy Lands tour including the Garden of Gethsemane. The same incredibly ancient olive trees about the place where Jesus knelt and prayed to the only one who is truly always there and listening. Our Heavenly Father.
It amazes me how forgetful the disciples were in a time of trouble or how they let their circumstances define how strong their faith was. But as I look more and more into that, we all have done the same, we’re all guilty of allowing fear influence our faith, when faith should influence fear, if we have Jesus then why is there a reason to fear? And yet Jesus even while suffering was thinking about his disciples, just like when we run from him, he’s thinking about us and watching our every step, expecting us to run back to him! Thank you Abba for a wonderful message ‼️🗣️
How many of us will turn from the Lord when we are challenged ?? Even many Churches closed their doors when Covid came while liquor stores and groceries remained open. I pray we will learn to not only live our faith but will stand when we are challenged .. We can’t rely on churches or pastors to save us only Christ can do that … Will you Stand ??
You know Lord my flesh is weak, but your strength in me gives me hope to cope with and overcome the tests and trials of my faith in you. I want to be be faithful as Jesus was faithful to you Father. Holy Spirit, do in me what I cannot do in my flesh, for others’ good and your glory, in Jesus’ name.
Lord give me courage to stand in faith when confronted with evil at my doorstep! Give me strength to stand fast and not run away at a dark hour like this one. Forgive me Lord when I have caved to peer pressure and remain silent when the opportunity arrived to testify for You. Thank You for Your grace and mercy.
I’m “forever thankful” that I was crucified with JESUS & raised to walk in newness of life in HIS Resurrection. May my life be a testimony for others to “see” HIM in me. When my flesh is weak & tempted, then I am strengthen in the Spirit & prayer. HE will never leave me or abandon me. I’m forever thankful for the Cross
Yes & Amen
Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray that “YOU” may not enter into temptation. – How true it is that “Even when Jesus knew what was coming-the betrayal, the abandonment, the trials, torture, and crucifixion-against “HIM NOT THEM” – Jesus was always thinking of his Deciples. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE