There are so many heartrending moments in the Easter story, but one that particularly touches my heart is found in Mark 14:50. Here, Mark describes Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and he tells us that as Jesus’ captors took hold of him, “all his disciples deserted him and ran away” (NLT).
I can only imagine how alone and abandoned Jesus felt at that moment. His dearest companions and closest confidantes couldn’t get away from Him fast enough on that dark night in Gethsemane. Though they’d sworn their loyalty only hours before, fear prevailed and they fled.
I’ve never been betrayed like Jesus was, but I have lost friends, and those losses have been among the most painful experiences of my life. Yet even as I’ve grieved the ending of friendships, I have always known that there is one person I can count on to be there for me, no matter what. That Person is Jesus, and the reason I can have such a steadfast relationship with Him is because He Himself was subjected to abandonment and rejection. He became utterly alone so that I will never have to be.
His sacrifice in the garden and on the cross cleared the way for me—and you!—to be made right with God. And because we’ve been made right, we have constant access to His holy presence.
Are you feeling lonely, left out, or rejected? If you are, I encourage you to draw near to Jesus. He understands your pain and wants to fill your heart with His love. Human relationships are good and they are a gift, but you’ll never find a better friend than Jesus!
