Betrayal From Within

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24: 9-14

Persecution, Death, Hatred by all. This all because of our faith in Jesus Christ. As we look further into scripture we see how, why and by whom. There is also a message of hope. Let’s take a closer look at what Jesus was telling His disciples.

Betrayal From Within:

Betrayal, also referred to as Back Stabbing: is the breaking or violation of a presumptive contract, trust, or confidence that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations. Often betrayal is the act of supporting a rival group, or it is a complete break from previously decided upon or presumed norms by one party from the others. Someone who betrays others is commonly called a traitor or betrayer. Betrayal is also a commonly used literary element and is often associated with or used as a plot twist. (Wikipedia)

What do we see from the definition? Betrayal comes from within. An individual or group who seek to disrupt the trust and confidence within that organization. Violating the trust of that group. Betrayal can have costly consequences, even to the point of death.

The Cost Of Betrayal:

One of the most commonly know betrayal’s is the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot. One of Jesus’ own disciples. A man within Jesus’ inner circle. Why did Judas betray Jesus?

We can’t be absolutely sure, but some things are certain.

Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve (John 6:64), all scriptural evidence points to the fact that he never believed Jesus to be God. Unlike the other disciples that called Jesus “Lord,” Judas called him “Rabbi,” which acknowledged Jesus as nothing more than a teacher.

The other disciples made great professions of faith and loyalty (John 6:68; 11:16), Judas never did, he had a lack of faith in Jesus. The same is true for us, if we fail to recognize Jesus as God, the only one who can provide forgiveness for our sins and eternal salvation, we will be subject to numerous problems that come from a wrong view of God.

Not only did he lack in faith, but he also had little or no personal relationship with Jesus. When the gospels list the Twelve, they are always listed in the same general order with slight variations (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16).

The order is believed to indicate the relative closeness of their personal relationship with Jesus. Despite the variations, Peter and the brothers James and John are always listed first, which is consistent with their relationships with Jesus. Judas is always listed last, which may indicate his relative lack of a personal relationship with Christ.

The only documented dialogue between Jesus and Judas involves Judas being rebuked by Jesus after his greed-motivated remark to Mary (John 12:1-8), Judas’ denial of his betrayal (Matthew 26:25), and the betrayal itself (Luke 22:48).

Judas was consumed with greed to the point of betraying the trust of not only Jesus, but also his fellow disciples (John 12:5-6). Judas may have desired to follow Jesus because he saw the large following and thought he could profit from the group. The fact that Judas was in charge of the moneybag would indicate his interest in money (John 13:29).

Judas believed the Messiah was going to overthrow Roman’s and take a position of power. Judas may have followed Jesus hoping to benefit from association with Him. He expected to be part of the ruling elite after the revolution. By the time of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus had made it clear that He planned to die, not start a rebellion against Rome. Judas may have assumed that since He would not overthrow the Romans, He must not be the Messiah.

Old Testament Prophesy:

“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).

“I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—the handsome price at which they priced me!' So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter” (Zechariah 11:12-13).

These Old Testament prophecies indicate that Judas’ betrayal was known to God and that it was in His plan as the means by which Jesus would be killed.

The Cost Of Betrayal:

Judas had the full capacity of making his choice, at least up to the point where “Satan entered into him” (John 13:27). Judas would choose eventually. Jesus made it clear that Judas was responsible for his choice and would be held accountable for it. “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me” (Mark 14:18). Jesus characterizes Judas’ participation as a betrayal.

As accountability for this betrayal Jesus said, “Woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born” (Mark 14:21). Satan, also had a part in this, (John 13:26-27), he will be held accountable for his deeds.

Betrayal In The Church:

In our scripture reading we are warned by Jesus that “Many will fall away from the faith”, “Many will betray and hate each other”, “False prophets will appear”, “Wickedness will increase”, and “The love of most will grow cold”. This betrayal Jesus speaks of comes from within the body of Christ. Not from the outside but from within. We need to be vigilant, we need to put our complete faith in Christ Jesus. There are those within God’s church that are “Sheep in wolves clothing” seeking to destroy what God has put together.

God, in His wisdom, is able to manipulate even Satan’s rebellion for the benefit of mankind. Satan helped send Jesus to the cross, and on the cross sin and death were defeated. Now God’s provision of salvation is freely available to all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Keep your faith in Christ and He will deliver us from the betrayal that comes from within.