The Betrayal
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
Matthew 26:47-50
At the heart of the story of the cross is betrayal. In the last instance it is the betrayal of one Jesus closest. Judas who was one of the Twelve. Entrusted as treasurer of the disciples. How many miles did they share? How many meals? How many miracles? How heart-wrenching it must have been to watch so close a companion fall into betrayal for the sake of silver and status.
But Judas’ betrayal is a mirror. It reflects on all humanity. We were God’s special creation. Made in His image. He didn’t come to walk in the garden with the birds or the beavers. It was with us. He made us know Him. To trust Him and love Him.
But we were the betrayers and so we continue to be. We rejected His love and went off to flirt with other false gods. We gave them our worship instead of the one who made us and deserved our trust.
But. As the book of Hosea so beautifully images. Though we cheated on Him. Though we are shamed and disgraced. God loves His people. He calls them back to Him to return. He will wipe away their shame.
This is the cross. Just as God covered Adam & Eve in the skins of sacrifice to cover their nakedness, Jesus has covered our shame and guilt with His sacrifice. Ephesians 1:7 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Therefore as we sing in Christ Alone - no guilt in life, no fear in death. We who trust in Christ can stand before the Father in confidence that our betrayal is forgiven.
For Today:
Pray: Praise the Father for His unfailing and steadfast love. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who took our shame on the cross. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others look to Christ and enjoy the freedom of forgiveness.
Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
Matthew 26:47-50
At the heart of the story of the cross is betrayal. In the last instance it is the betrayal of one Jesus closest. Judas who was one of the Twelve. Entrusted as treasurer of the disciples. How many miles did they share? How many meals? How many miracles? How heart-wrenching it must have been to watch so close a companion fall into betrayal for the sake of silver and status.
But Judas’ betrayal is a mirror. It reflects on all humanity. We were God’s special creation. Made in His image. He didn’t come to walk in the garden with the birds or the beavers. It was with us. He made us know Him. To trust Him and love Him.
But we were the betrayers and so we continue to be. We rejected His love and went off to flirt with other false gods. We gave them our worship instead of the one who made us and deserved our trust.
But. As the book of Hosea so beautifully images. Though we cheated on Him. Though we are shamed and disgraced. God loves His people. He calls them back to Him to return. He will wipe away their shame.
This is the cross. Just as God covered Adam & Eve in the skins of sacrifice to cover their nakedness, Jesus has covered our shame and guilt with His sacrifice. Ephesians 1:7 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Therefore as we sing in Christ Alone - no guilt in life, no fear in death. We who trust in Christ can stand before the Father in confidence that our betrayal is forgiven.
For Today:
- How have you betrayed God?
- What have you betrayed Him for?
- Repent and find forgiveness in Christ today.
Pray: Praise the Father for His unfailing and steadfast love. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who took our shame on the cross. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others look to Christ and enjoy the freedom of forgiveness.
Posted in Easter
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