The Betrayal

1/23/10 Matthew 26

The Betrayal

As I read this portion of scripture today I was captivated by the betrayal of Judas.  It astounds those of us who know Jesus that such a thing could happen.  The betrayal is clear evidence of the hardening and blinding effect that sin has upon a person.  Judas knew full well that he was betraying Jesus according to Mt 26:14-16. This certainly had been brewing in Judas’ heart for some time.  The truly shocking part is when Jesus announces to the twelve disciples that He is going to be betrayed by one of them.  Judas’s response was “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” just as all the others had said.  I guess that it is really not that amazing when we consider how powerful sin is.  Sin is nothing to be played with; we must pray to our Father in heaven that we would not be enticed by, or lead into temptation. Temptation is the door way to sin and we are wise to avoid the door and certainly not open it.  Before we go on passing judgment on Judas, we should evaluate our own lives and ask Jesus if there is anything in our lives that is betraying Him. 

There are hundreds of sins that people commit, knowing full well that it is sin. Sin has three forms; willful, ignorant, and unintentional.  Judas’ betrayal was certainly willful.  He made a calculated choice to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.  But how many of us make willful choices to sin against the Lord also.  We know full well if we do _________ (fill in the blank) that it is sin, but we go right on ahead and do it. Many people are similar to Judas also in the fact when they are confronted with the truth they bear a false witness.  Unfortunately, all of us are similar to Judas because of our fallen nature.  We don’t just sin, the fact is; we are born sinners.  The beauty of all this is that the betrayal actually led to the condemnation, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ who came to save people from their sins (Mt1:21).  All of us have betrayed Jesus in some way, and if we never repent of our sins, our fate will be that of condemnation and eternal death. But the good news is that if anyone believes in Jesus, evidenced by a life of repentance and confession, then he will experience eternal life instead of eternal death.