Troubled in Spirit
Holy Tuesday’s Verse:
From John 13:21 ESV
“After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’”
When we think about Jesus, we often think about Him as peaceful, settled, and steadfast. You know, above all of the frailty that we mere humans seem to thrive in. But tonight, as He was betrayed, John records something remarkable. Jesus was troubled in spirit.
He knows the plan. He knows Judas will betray Him. But Jesus is grieved.
And this matters. This should cut deep because it shows us that Jesus is not immune to our hurt or our sin. He knows it. He bears it with Him. This betrayal is personal. His friends will turn on Him. His companion will deliver Him over.
Yet Jesus does not depart.
This, friends, is the Gospel. Jesus doesn’t abandon his plan because it leads to the cross. He doesn’t look away when He knows the suffering and when His spirit is troubled. His love isn’t conditional on us being faithful. It’s based on His faithfulness.
Truly, in Lutheran speak, it’s grace alone. You and I are not saved because we remain faithful enough, tough enough, or righteous enough. If anything, Judas is an example set before us of what dwells within us all. Separate from Christ, we will all betray Him.
Thankfully, Christ doesn’t leave us separate.
He goes to the cross for you and me, betrayers, deniers, failures. When Jesus was troubled in spirit, it led Him to the cross…right into the center of our sin.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You know what it’s like to feel the sting of betrayal and the burden of sin. Thank You that when You were troubled in spirit, You didn’t turn away from me. Keep me in Your grace, not by my strength but by Your mercy. Help me continue to believe in You and what You’ve done for me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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