Betrayal

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Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16 (ESV)

14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Devotion:

            Some churches observe today as “Spy Wednesday.” A day to reflect on the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. The question that looms over us today is: Why? Judas had been walking with Jesus for the better part of three years. He was hand picked to be one of the twelve original apostles to be included in the inner circle of Jesus disciples. We search for a reason for this betrayal. The scriptures give us few hints.

            In the passage before us it appears that Judas was seeking only money as he asked for what he would be paid and collected his 30 pieces of silver without delay. The gospel writers Luke and John suggest that Satan may have influenced Judas into his act of betrayal. Several commentators offer various possible reasons for Judas’ actions. None of them can say definitively that they know for certain what drove Judas to do this act.

            We know that although Jesus knew he was going to be betrayed and by whom his heart was grieved because of it. Part of Jesus grief in the garden of Gethsemane was no doubt heartache over what his friend and follower Judas was up to that night. Although he was hardly surprised by the kiss of the betrayer, he was saddened by it. Even in his sadness Jesus still loved Judas as a friend loves a friend that is why this betrayal stung Jesus so deeply.

            Have we ever betrayed someone we loved, or have we ever been betrayed by someone we loved? I know I have been betrayed before. It hurt me deeply and I can still feel the wounds deep in my soul. I can only imagine what Jesus felt on that dark night 2,000 years ago. The searing pain knowing that this act of betrayal would lead to his death on a cruel cross. There can be no words to describe the depth of hurt our savior experienced.

            Perhaps we should stop here and consider how and when we may have betrayed Jesus. While our betrayal of our savior may not have been as well documented or as deeply hurtful as what happened in Jerusalem so long ago, they are still betrayals. Maybe like Peter we did not betray Jesus, but we have denied him when we should have spoken up for him? Have we ever engaged some activity we knew was not God honoring but we went along with it because everyone else was? It is necessary to confess our failures now and repent of our sinful ways.

Prayer:

            Lord Jesus, please forgive us for anytime when we have failed to be faithful to you. All our little acts of betrayal hurt you just as much as Judas’ did. Teach us the way to truly live faithful lives always honoring you and bringing your joy and love into every situation of our lives. May we glorify your name and always bring honor to it. Thank you for loving us regardless of our failures and betrayals of you. Amen

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