Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." (Matthew 26:48, ESV)

This week we have studied several biblical events that happened around the midnight hour. The Bible has many other midnight stories, but today's is the most significant. Let's follow the Lord's footsteps into the Garden of Gethsemane. It was there that the Lord agonized in prayer in the hours before Judas gave his kiss of betrayal.

THE FINAL WEEK

The week had been long and eventful - the triumphal entry, the cries of "Hosanna" from the crowd, the Lord's lament over Jerusalem, overthrowing the tables of the money changers, teaching in the Temple, and so much more. Jesus understood what His disciples did not grasp. His earthly ministry was ending. Behind the scenes, the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death without creating an uproar of the people. Soon He would be betrayed by someone close to Him.

Following what we call the Last Supper, the Lord and His disciples made their way to Gethsemane, a garden of olive trees on a slope of the Mount of Olives. Not everyone was there; one disciple was missing. In the garden, Jesus spent three agonizing hours in earnest prayer. His prayers became so intense, so heavy, that an angel appeared to strengthen Him.

"And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:44, ESV)

THE BETRAYAL

Even as the Lord agonized in prayer, His betrayer was leading soldiers, high priests, Pharisees, and servants to arrest Jesus. Knowing the habits of the Lord, Judas knew where to find Him to give that kiss of betrayal. The effects of that kiss climaxed hours later with the Lord's death on the cross. At 3:00 PM, the hour of the evening sacrifice, the Sinless One, the Lamb of God, paid the price for our sins. He willingly took our place at Calvary.

Fortunately for all of us, the story did not end with His death. Sunday morning brought the joyful news of the Lord's resurrection. He conquered death. He was alive! And because He lives, we have the promise of eternal life with Him.

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit." (I Peter 3:18, ESV)

PERSONAL REFLECTION: Can you remember the times God came to you in the darkness of midnight to bring peace, comfort, and hope? How can you use your experiences to encourage others who are struggling through dark times and need midnight deliverance?

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk