Wednesday in Holy Week
BETRAYAL
Scripture
Luke 22:1-6
The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction. Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.
Some Thoughts
The Passover was a Jewish festival in celebration of the great exodus from slavery in Egypt. Though careful not to do it on Passover, the Pharisees and teachers of the law plotted to kill Jesus, the firstborn Son of God. But God’s plan superseded theirs. Jesus willingly became the ultimate sacrificial lamb whose shed blood enabled all who put their trust in him to pass over death to eternal life, but not without an incalculable cost.
Betrayal is one of the most despicable acts one person can do to another. It is even more hideous because it is dependent upon the noble character of trust. Trust must be established for betrayal to accomplish its goal. With trust comes depth of relationship, respect, confidence, dependability, comfort, admiration, love, gratitude, appreciation, and serenity in the relationship. One act of betrayal destroys all these qualities instantaneously. The betrayer puts self and self-interest above the relationship in total disregard for the other person. If trust is ever regained, it is difficult, a long and often painful process.
In these most difficult hours of his life, Jesus experienced betrayal from one of his followers, a man who had traveled with him for three years, a man he had chosen to be one of the twelve. What makes it all the more painful is that Jesus knew who the betrayer was. Even in this circumstance, Jesus did not override the freewill of Judas and call him out on what he was about to do. From John’s account, we assume he even washed Judas’ feet (John 13:5,12). In honoring those he created, the Son of God did not usurp this human’s free will, even if it brought about his own crucifixion and death.
You’ll recall in Jesus’ temptation, Satan left him for a more opportune time (Matt. 4:1-11). This is one of those times. Unlike the other disciples, there was a place in Judas’ heart for Satan. Satan cannot enter one’s heart unless the person gives consent which Judas did of his own free will. We don’t know what Judas had in mind with his betrayal, but we do know he always had an eye out for money. My guess is that he wanted to force Jesus’ hand to lead a military rebellion against the Roman occupiers. By showing Jesus’ enemies where he was, knowing they were coming to arrest Jesus, he had perhaps hoped Jesus would fight back. But for whatever reason he might have had in mind, his act was the most despicable in history. Betrayal is so detestable because it violates a basic premise of human decency, trust, and moral character.
What was Jesus’ response to betrayal? He continued on the course his Father had laid out for him. He invited the twelve disciples to share the Passover meal with him knowing of Judas’ previous agreement with the Jewish leaders. Jesus honored Judas throughout the evening. He let the weight of Judas’ guilt take its toll. Jesus did not get pushed off center by the betrayal even though only hours later the other eleven disciples likewise abandoned him in another kind of betrayal. In Jesus’ case, his life’s mission was of far more significance than betrayal of friends.
A further word about betrayal. To be betrayed by a friend or spouse does not mean the end of trusting and a forever ruined life. Jesus brings healing, understanding, perspective, strength, and restoration to the broken-hearted. Men, women, and children have all experienced betrayal and found wholeness and trust again through God’s grace. God’s work in a person’s life does not stop because or when lying deception occurs. Jesus is our example. Fulfilling his mission to the world was at hand, namely the redemption and restoration of all his creation. But Judas was not the only one to betray the Savior. We all have sinned and been guilty of betraying Jesus, yet in his great love he extends the offer of forgiveness to all who will repent.
Music “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” Festival Choir
Prayer
Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life-to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth…I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message…Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
(Jesus praying for us, from John 17)