A Hideous Betrayal

What are the synonyms for betrayal? Here are two: disloyalty and treachery. A betrayer stabs you in the back. Even the word sounds ominous. We should not be surprised, the CEO of betrayal is Satan. From the beginning, we agree that treachery and disloyalty to a “friend” is one of humanity’s worst behaviors.

Judas was a betrayer.

Satan tempted him. Judas acted.

There is a word synonymous for betrayer: “Judas.”

 “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So, he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.” Luke 22:1-6

Luke informs us here that the religious leaders were desperate to be rid of Jesus. Desperate is my word-but Jesus had been a major threat to their authority…for 3 years. They had listened to Jesus teach just like the people. While the people “hung on His words” (Luke 19:48), the religious leaders could not see the truth of Jesus’ words. Their solution? Kill Him. When Judas acted on the temptation of Satan, the religious leaders were “delighted” to pay for a betrayal.

You and I are disgusted by Judas. It is not exaggeration to describe his betrayal of Jesus as hideous. Perhaps Judas is the world’s greatest betrayer. Why? Jesus had always been kind, patient and loving towards Judas. He had never wronged Judas. Judas betrayed the Son of God. As we read the Bible there are no clear answers to the motives behind Judas’s actions.

Now for the hard part.

Neither of us wants to be like Judas. How could he betray Jesus? Luke tells us, “Satan entered Judas.” Is it only Judas that Satan can enter and deceive? Time to shudder. We are no different than Judas, Satan can tempt us as he tempted this betrayer. Want the blunt truth? We can be led to betrayal and worse.

Can we defend ourselves against the temptations of Satan? Yes! But not by our strength, not by ourselves. So, how do we defend against the attacks of Satan?

The answer may surprise. Our defense posture could be standing, sitting or kneeling…whatever posture-prayer is our defense against our worst enemy. Read these words from Jesus about the power of prayer, (these words the people “hung” on):

 …and forgive us our sins,for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”  Luke 11:4 (from the Lord’s Prayer.)

 “And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Luke 22:40

Jesus has all power. He has overcome the power of Satan. He hears our prayers. He answers. Be glad! Hideous betrayal does not need to be part of our biography.

Teach us to pray Jesus…keep us from temptation.