Tag: betrayal
Betrayal troubles Jesus!
Scripture reading for November 1st: John 13, Psalm 68, Proverbs 1
John 13:21-28 “After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in His spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom He was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why He said this to him.”
Jesus was troubled in His spirit by the fact that one of His disciples had already plotted to betray Him for a little money. He wasn’t troubled by a lack of knowledge about who this was, however, as He knew what was in Judas when He chose him. The other disciples were searching their hearts and looking at one another wondering who it might be. Peter motioned to John, who was seated next to Jesus to ask Him who it was. Jesus dipped a morsel of bread and gave it to Judas, who was most likely seated next to Jesus in a place of honor. Judas knew his own pre-arranged plans and Jesus was showing him that He knew and was offering him the chance to repent one last time. But Satan entered Judas after taking and eating the bread–a covenant meal of love and devotion. He ate damnation to himself through unbelief and rebellion and focusing on unjust gain. We must examine ourselves before partaking of Holy Communion.
Psalm 68:1-2 “God shall arise, His enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate Him shall flee before Him! As smoke is driven away, so You shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!”
Prayer: Father God, this account of Jesus and Judas and the disciples at the Last Supper encourages me to seek You for insight and wisdom into the motives of my own heart. You know all things and are merciful. Reveal any betrayal of Jesus in my motives, attitudes or actions that I might repent. Help me to truly love You and my fellow believers by living in grace by faith and walking humbly with Jesus.
Proverbs 1:18-19 “For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.”
Scripture must be fulfilled
Scripture reading for August 3rd: Matthew 26
Key Scriptures: Matthew 26:49-56 “And he (Judas) came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed Him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture Me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.”
Judas had arranged to lead the temple guards and high priest’s servants to where he knew Jesus would be praying with His disciples. He came early in the morning and greeted Jesus with a kiss, betraying his Friend as Scripture pronounced. (Psalm 41:9) Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear but Jesus quickly told him to put the sword away. Jesus had power to bring angelic help, but Scripture must be fulfilled (Isaiah 53 and many others). Jesus healed the ear and questioned the crowd about their motive for being there in the dark of night. He had publicly taught in temple each day. But again, scripture must be fulfilled through the events taking place leading up to the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, Son of God and King of the Jews. At this point, all the disciples fled, following Jesus telling those laying hands on Him to let them go! Jesus was in charge and God’s Word would be fulfilled to the last letter!
Luke 22:50-51 “And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And He touched his ear and healed him.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for Scripture and its sure fulfilment. Thank You that Jesus did not call to You for help, but allowed Himself to be seized and tried and crucified, according to Your Word and plan. Thank You for mercy towards Your accusers and betrayers and protection for Your faithful disciples. Help me to follow Your amazing example and be filled daily with Your Holy Spirit.
John 18:7-9 “So He asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He. So, if you seek Me, let these men go.” This was to fulfil the Word that He had spoken: “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost not one.””
His blood be on us!
Scripture reading for October 14th: Matthew 26-28
Those who have grown up in the church have heard the story of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and crucifixion many times. This story is a key to our redemption from the ravages of sin because it tells of a Savior who willingly took our sin and loved us so much that He gave His life for us. He offered it on our behalf as a part of God’s plan to bring us back to Himself.
Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-15) Why Judas sold his Master, we are not actually told, except that he belonged to the evil one and was not one of the true disciples. The Jews sent temple guards to follow Judas to the place where Jesus was praying with His disciples. Judas betrayed his master with a kiss. Jesus told Judas and his followers to do what they came for and offered no resistance.
He was taken to Caiaphas, the High Priest, and the Sanhedrin, who met early in the morning. (Matthew 27:1) Caiaphas asked Jesus if He was the Christ, Son of the living God. Jesus answered “yes” and that He would be seated at the right hand of the Mighty One and come on the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:63-64) Because of this, the council pronounced a death sentence, spit on Him, and struck Him with their fists. His trusted disciples deserted Him and Peter denied Him three times as Jesus had predicted.
Jesus stood before Pilate, the Roman governor, the only one with authority to put Him to death. Pilate listened to the charges and asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus answered “yes”. Jesus made no other defense against the charges! He tried to get the crowd to release Jesus, but they insisted on having a criminal released, demanding Jesus be crucified. Pilate symbolically washed his hands of Jesus’ blood and placed the responsibility on the people. They cried: “Let His blood be on us and on our children.” (Matthew 27:25)
Two thousand years later, the truth of who Jesus is still freeing sinners! He is “King of the Jews” and the “Christ, Son of the living God”! His blood alone can cleanse those who call on Him! In faith, cry out to Jesus for that covering on you and your children!
Standing firm!
Scripture reading for April 22nd: Luke 21:1-28
“Then He said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. . . .You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of Me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.”(Luke 21:10-11, 16-19)
As Jesus approached the time of His crucifixion and departure, He spoke plainly to His disciples of events surrounding His second coming. He knew how these followers would be shaken and tested by the turmoil and trouble coming upon the earth in the last days and sought to give them (and us) fair warning. God does nothing by judgment unless he warns His people through the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
Today, we are experiencing many of these signs that Jesus said would happen. He promised that the end would not come right away. (Luke 21:9) He emphasized that His followers had nothing to fear, even if they were killed for their testimony of faith in Christ. Standing firm requires faith. We must decide to trust Jesus and believe His promises. In a time where many are mocking those who believe, we must not give in to fear or be swayed by the philosophy of the current culture. There are not many ways to God, there is only one way: Jesus Christ! We must stay firm in that belief! Seeking the approval of men by refusing to publically take a stand is not standing firm either. Standing firm means we will proclaim our faith and Jesus Christ as Lord. We will live for Him alone and die if necessary for that stand.
Jesus ended this discourse with a warning to His followers: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36) Please stand firm, watch, and pray! The time is short!
Let His blood be on us!
Scripture reading for October 12th: Matthew 26-28
Those who have grown up in the church have heard the story of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and crucifixion many times. This story is a key to our redemption from sin because it tells of a Savior who loved us so much that He gave His life for us. He offered it willingly on our behalf as a part of God’s plan to bring us back to Himself.
Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot for a mere thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave. (Matthew 26:14-15) We are told that Judas belonged to the evil one and was not one of the true disciples. He fulfilled Scripture from Zechariah 11:12-13 that told about him several hundred years in advance. Judas betrayed his master with a kiss.
Jesus was taken before Caiaphas, the High Priest, and the Sanhedrin. They met early in the morning to find a way to put Jesus to death. (Matthew 27:1) Caiaphas asked Jesus directly if He was the Christ, Son of the living God. Jesus answered “yes” and told him that in the future he would see Jesus seated at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:63-64) The council pronounced a death sentence, spit on Him, and struck Him with their fists. His trusted disciples deserted Him and Peter denied Him three times as Jesus predicted.
Jesus then stood before Pilate, the Roman governor, the only one with authority to put Him to death. Pilate listened to the Jews’ charges and then asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus answered “yes” but made no other defense against the charges. Pilate had been warned by his wife not to have anything to do with Jesus because of a troubling dream that she had. He tried to get the crowd to release Jesus but they demanded Jesus be crucified!
Pilate symbolically washed his hands of Jesus’ blood and placed the responsibility on the people. They willingly stated: “Let His blood be on us and on our children.” (Matthew 27:25) Ironically, it is the blood of Jesus alone that can cleanse us all from our sin. It was a wonderful act of grace that Jesus would even give His blood for the redemption of those who would crucify Him. May His blood cover each of us as well, and our children!
The wings of a dove!
Scripture reading for June 14th: Psalms 55-59
A friend is someone you can trust and confide in. They know you for who you really are and often love you in spite of what they see. They stick with you through thick and thin. They are there for you when you need them and you can count on them to be honest with you. Friendships take time to develop and close friends are rare and precious!
One of the most painful experiences is to have a close friend betray you. He was deeply troubled and in anguish over a betrayal. He wanted to take the wings of a dove and fly away to a secluded place to rest. (Psalm 55:6) It would have been more understandable if it was an enemy who had insulted him and turned against him, but it was his close friend. It was a man with whom he had enjoyed sweet fellowship as they worshiped together. (Psalm 55:13-14) He called on the Lord for help during this troubling time.
This psalm is interesting in light of Psalm 32 and 51 which describe David’s trial of faith where he had betrayed his friend Uriah the Hittite! When this psalm was written and about whom we are not certain. It may have been concerning Ahiphohel, his close adviser who sided with Absalom in his rebellion. (2nd Samuel 15:12) It is interesting that David reaped what he himself sowed.
Jesus Christ also went through betrayal. Judas betrayed his own teacher, rabbi, and friend. He enjoyed sweet fellowship with Jesus even at the last supper. Jesus reached out to this one who would betray him and sought to win him over. (John 13:19-26) In a sense, all the disciples betrayed Jesus by denying that they knew Him and running away. We can begin to understand how he might feel when we betray his love. It is amazing how we can enjoy sweet fellowship with the Lord, and then do things that betray Him!
The good news today is that our Savior did not take flight with the wings of a dove! Instead, He bore our betrayals, sin, and rebellion and loved us so much that He died in our place! Take time today to ask for His forgiveness of your betrayals. Invite Him to be you special friend who will stick closer than a brother! Enjoy sweet fellowship with one who will never betray you!
O Absolom, my son!
Scripture reading for March 30th: 2nd Samuel 15-18
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16
“This is what the Lord says; ‘out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel'”.( 2nd Samuel 12:11-12)
God’s Word never returns void! It is always true and the one who chooses to go against it does so to their peril. King David disobeyed God’s command against adultery and although he was forgiven, he reaped what he had sown in his own household. Absalom, a son of King David, chose to rebel against his own father and try to take the throne of Israel.
Absalom was a master politician. He made all kinds of promises to win the hearts of the people. His heart was plotting a take-over of his own father’s throne. (2nd Samuel 15:4-6) He secretly set himself up as king and secretly won over David’s trusted counselor, Ahithophel. He was a man full of pride and self-promotion who would do anything to gain power.
Ahithophel advised Absalom to take his father’s concubines and sleep with them in front of all Israel. He fulfilled Nathan’s word to his own father. God’s Word always comes to pass! (2nd Samuel 16:20-22) Absalom’s brief rebellion ended in a tragic way. He was always proud of his long, thick hair. As he was riding his mule through the forest of Ephraim in a battle with his father’s men, he caught his hair on a branch and was left hanging in mid-air. He was struck down by Joab, David’s army commander.
When told of his son’s death, King David lamented his death and wished it had been him! In David’s lament we hear the heart of God for all his lost children! He wants none to perish, but all to come to repentance. In fact, He sent His own Son to die in our place! What amazing love from a son of King David!
My appointed time is near!
Scripture reading for February 9th: Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 29, Proverbs 8:14-26
Jesus was in total control and had full understanding of what would happen. Judas had already gone to the chief priests and inquired of what they would be willing to give him for handing Jesus over. The agreed upon price was thirty silver coins. ( Zechariah wrote about this about 500 years earlier in Zechariah 11:12)
Jesus instructed the disciples to go and prepare a place for the Passover meal. He told them to tell a certain man that His appointed time was near and He wanted to celebrate the Passover at his house. Evidently this man would understand what that meant. Jesus knew He had an appointment to keep. He was going to be the final Passover sacrifice for the sins of the world.
At the Passover meal, Jesus announced that one of them would betray Him. (Matthew 26:20-31) He then identified Judas as that very one when Judas asked if it was himself. I believe that Jesus was trying His very best to give Judas the opportunity to repent of his reprehensible deed. What mercy our Lord showed toward one who would betray Him!
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29) Jesus was again teaching His disciples about the nature of His coming death. He would give His body to be beaten, bruised, and crucified for their sake, as well as for all mankind. Jesus would give His blood as a covenant with those who would believe on Him for the forgiveness of their sins. This cup would be His final cup with them until the fullness of the Father’s Kingdom came.
Today we know that the appointed time of Jesus’ return is near. We must be fully trusting in His broken body and shed blood as our only hope of eternal salvation. Are you ready to drink this cup with Jesus in the Father’s kingdom?
Let His Blood Be On Us!
Scripture reading for October 14th: Matthew 26-28
Those who have grown up in the church have heard the story of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and crucifixion many times. This story is a key to our redemption from the ravages of sin because it tells of a Savior who willingly took our sin and loved us so much that He gave His life for us. No one really took His life from Him; He offered it on our behalf as a part of God’s plan to bring us back to Himself. Today, as we look at this story, I want us to focus on Jesus and His sacrifice for us.
Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot for a mere thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-15) Why Judas sold his Master, we are not actually told, except that he belonged to the evil one and was not one of the true disciples. He fulfilled Scripture in Zechariah 11:12-13 that was written about him several hundred years in advance. The Jews sent temple guards to follow Judas to the place where Jesus was praying with His disciples. Judas betrayed his master with a kiss. Jesus told Judas and his followers to do what they came for and offered no resistance.
He was taken to Caiaphas, the High Priest, and the Sanhedrin, who met early in the morning, to try to find a way to put Jesus to death. (Matthew 27:1) Caiaphas asked Jesus directly if He was the Christ, Son of the living God. Jesus answered “yes” and told him that in the future he would see Jesus seated at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:63-64) The council pronounced a death sentence, spit on Him, and struck Him with their fists. His trusted disciples deserted Him and Peter denied Him three times as Jesus had predicted.
Jesus then stood before Pilate, the Roman governor, the only one with authority to put Him to death. Pilate listened to the Jews’ charges and then asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus again answered “yes”. Jesus made no other defense against the charges, to Pilate’s amazement! Pilate had been warned by his wife not to have anything to do with Jesus because of a troubling dream that she had. He tried to get the crowd to release Jesus, but they insisted on having a criminal released and demanded Jesus be crucified.
Pilate symbolically washed his hands of the innocent Jesus’ blood and placed the responsibility on the people. They willingly stated: “Let His blood be on us and on our children.” (Matthew 27:25) Ironically, it is the blood of Jesus alone that can cleanse us all from our sin. We all have done that which caused God to take this drastic measure to save us. It is a wonderful act of grace for Jesus to give His blood for the redemption of those who would crucify Him. We who are saved have willingly confessed our sins and asked that “Jesus blood cover us”. May it cover our children too!