I think we can all think of a time when we were betrayed. Whether it was a funny moment or a serious one. Betrayal often brings hurt and pain into our lives. Sometimes when it is a funny betrayal you can get some laughs though. I remember back in my early days of youth ministry, I was betrayed by our Children's Pastor, Matt Hatton, at our previous church. We were having this youth event, and I came up with the idea that we were going to duct tape someone to the wall. Matt and I thought it would be hilarious, and the students would love it. As the night went on, we were playing a game outside. Then out of nowhere, I heard a shout. I didn't quite make out what it was but then all of a sudden, all the students were rushing towards me. There were so many of them, I couldn't get away. They all tackled me and made it to where there was no chance I could get away. I was then carried off by the entire group with no chance of escape. They took me to the nearest light pole in the parking lot and started duct-taping me to the pole. All I could think in the moment was how did this happen? It was my idea for this game, and I became the one that got pranked out of it! I never saw the collusion that happened with Matt, the leaders, and the students. I was truly shocked and didn't see it coming. As I was stuck to the pole, I was laughing but also somewhat annoyed at how my plan had backfired on me. I was betrayed. However, I got a great story and memory out of this betrayal. Most betrayals do not end like this. Most end with pain and hurt to them.
When we look at the story of Jesus, we see a great betrayal happen. Jesus was betrayed by one of his own disciples, Judas. Because of this betrayal, Jesus was arrested and the time for the cross had come. We look at this story and wonder how could Judas ever betray Jesus? How could he betray someone so close to him and who cared so deeply for him? If you want to know the side of the betrayer, just ask Matt. I'm kidding!
What is even crazier about the story is that Jesus knew the whole time what one happening. It did not catch him by surprise in any way. We saw at the Last Supper that Jesus said that one of his disciples would betray him and then he told Judas to go quickly. When Judas came back with those to arrest him, Jesus was not surprised again. Judas came up to kiss Jesus to signal it was him and Jesus replied “Do what you came for, friend.” In the next part, we see some of the disciples respond with violence. Jesus quickly responds, “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen and that the betrayal had to happen to fulfill scripture. Jesus knew the cross was coming and that he had to go to it to offer salvation to all. It was all part of the plan.
This betrayal of Judas was great. He betrayed Jesus. It led straight to the cross. But Jesus knew. He knew the whole time where Judas was and still loved and cared for him every step of the way. Jesus knew the ultimate hurt and pain of betrayal. Not just the physical betrayal of Judas, but the betrayal of us all turning our backs on God. Jesus, however, continued to keep his eyes fixed on the mission. The mission to save all people from their sins and their great betrayal. The mission of the cross.
When we look at the story of Jesus, we see a great betrayal happen. Jesus was betrayed by one of his own disciples, Judas. Because of this betrayal, Jesus was arrested and the time for the cross had come. We look at this story and wonder how could Judas ever betray Jesus? How could he betray someone so close to him and who cared so deeply for him? If you want to know the side of the betrayer, just ask Matt. I'm kidding!
What is even crazier about the story is that Jesus knew the whole time what one happening. It did not catch him by surprise in any way. We saw at the Last Supper that Jesus said that one of his disciples would betray him and then he told Judas to go quickly. When Judas came back with those to arrest him, Jesus was not surprised again. Judas came up to kiss Jesus to signal it was him and Jesus replied “Do what you came for, friend.” In the next part, we see some of the disciples respond with violence. Jesus quickly responds, “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen and that the betrayal had to happen to fulfill scripture. Jesus knew the cross was coming and that he had to go to it to offer salvation to all. It was all part of the plan.
This betrayal of Judas was great. He betrayed Jesus. It led straight to the cross. But Jesus knew. He knew the whole time where Judas was and still loved and cared for him every step of the way. Jesus knew the ultimate hurt and pain of betrayal. Not just the physical betrayal of Judas, but the betrayal of us all turning our backs on God. Jesus, however, continued to keep his eyes fixed on the mission. The mission to save all people from their sins and their great betrayal. The mission of the cross.