Jesus is placed on trial in these verses, though it serves more as an informal and illegal proceeding. The chief priests, along with the high priest, find Jesus guilty of blasphemy, which of course would be well-founded except that Jesus actually is God Incarnate. May we all wrestle with this amazing reality: that God came in the flesh and suffered injustice and punishment for the sake of His people. And may we rejoice that He offers His grace and mercy to all who believe this!

Jesus is betrayed by Judas in these verses. But we also see that the sinful weakness of the disciples leads them to flee from Jesus and sure persecution. The only remedy for both of these things is to look to the Almighty and life-giving power of God. Thankfully, Jesus endured suffering and shame so that He could deliver His people through it. May we always look to Him!

Jesus takes His disciples to Gethsemane, the place of the olive press. In this garden, God shows us the power of prayer, even in the face of sorrow and death. Jesus gives us a picture of God’s faithfulness and triumph over our enemies despite being tired and weary. May we trust in this ever-faithful and powerful God.