Betrayed
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him….Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”….See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26:16,25,45-46 ESV
How does it feel to be betrayed? What is it like to have a friendship that ends with that individuals turning on you and treating you like an enemy? What is it like when that individual is someone close to you and chosen to be part of a special group with whom you would share your life?
The psalmist wrote, “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” (Psalm 41:9 NLT) Isaiah declared of the Messiah, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” (Isaiah 53:3 NIV)
Judas was one of the 12 that was chosen to be in the group that would be close to Jesus. He would hear Jesus teach what others did not. He would be among those who were sent out to preach the gospel and perform miracles in Jesus name. He would see what others did not. He would hear what others did not. He was trusted with “the purse.” What money the disciples had, it was entrusted to Judas, not Matthew the tax collector.
Every one who is in leadership has faced some degree of “betrayal” at one time or another. It may be more subtle. It may be more calculated and direct. There can be just a questioning of your decisions or criticism of your leadership to outright falsehoods and those who openly plan and plot against you.
Jesus experienced betrayal from Judas, whose name has become synonymous with the term. Even though he regretted his actions and took his own life in remorse. Even though, for all but a few weeks or moments, he had been faithful; his final actions were those that marked his life.
That is an important lesson for all to heed. We see it in many arenas, where an otherwise successful career in public or private life is defined by a behavioral, moral or ethical failure of some kind.
Did Jesus know from the beginning that Judas would betray Him? Did He sense the change in Judas by virtue of his attitude or actions. Was Judas never really “on board” with Jesus’ and His mission and priorities? Did Judas view Jesus as just an end of accomplishing his own political or personal agenda?
We don’t know the answer to these questions. However, those types of questions challenge us in our own attitudes and actions. Do we view Jesus was One we follow and to whom we submit our lives and our motives and our actions? Or do we follow Jesus as long as it is acceptable to our personal views?
Betrayal doesn’t happen in a moment of time, it usually happens over time and is finally revealed in a moment with actions and attitudes. Judas was missing from the disciples when Jesus went to the garden to pray, but he distanced himself from Jesus long before the final meal in the upper room. Judas seemed to try to hide what was in his heart when he asked with the others, “Is it I?” to Jesus’ announcement that one of the disciples would betray Him.
Judas betrayed Jesus with his actions, Peter betrayed Jesus with his words, the adoring crowds on Palm Sunday, betrayed Jesus with shouts of “crucify Him!” by the end of the week. The challenge of being a faithful follower, not reluctant, half-hearted, or insincere remains for all of Jesus disciples today.
Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to be those who with sincere hearts remain faithful and loyal to You. When You challenge our actions and attitudes, may we be quick to yield to You and Your ways. Give us strength to stand for You, to speak for You in the midst of a challenging world that calls us to deny You.