In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

At certain times in my life, I have experienced exceptional favor with leaders in high places. This was fun for a time. My business succeeded, my ability to pay for things and “create fun vacations and trips” was easy. And I had quite a few friends who hung out with me.

At other times in life, I have experienced hardship and challenge. I was either out of work, lost my mom to cancer, or in another challenging situation where I had to stand for the truth. In these times, my friends dwindled. They thinned out and support fell away by most.

Jesus had a lot of followers at times. He had 5,000 men plus women and children listen to his teaching one time and 4,000 men plus women and children another time. He had whole regions of people flock to him for healing. He was very popular.

And other times, people left because either his teaching was hard, he lost popularity with the Jewish leaders. In this case, with his disciples, they likely left out of fear of arrest or anger that he was not leading the rebellion against the corrupt Jewish leaders they were hoping for.

Most friendships are fickle. Few are solid and can be counted on in tough times. I have a handful of friends who I can count on through thick and thin. They are loyal in the good and bad times. And I seek to be that kind of friend.

This had to be one of the hardest moments in Jesus’ mission. The men he invested in for over two years, all but one deserted him. And the other one betrayed him. Absolutely crushing, this would have been, if he placed stock in the approval of men.

Instead, Jesus placed his faith and identity in his relationship with God the Father.

We also see the attitude of the Jewish leaders, who brought violent weapons to arrest a peaceful, but powerful Savior. They could not comprehend his sacrifice. They could not understand his complete and unconditional love.

Jesus perfectly dealt with this situation. He fulfilled God’s will as evidenced by prophecy. He humbly submitted. He did not hold any grudges. He simply acted with grace, leadership, and love.

Lord Jesus, how I long to have your attitude more and more in the challenging situations of life. Help me to act in grace, speak truth, and not worry about how popular your will and ways are.