Jesus' Betrayers

"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 22:3-6

This morning, as I'm reflecting on the days leading up to Jesus' death, I prayed that the Lord would open my eyes to see these passages that I've read and heard countless times in a new light.  He always humbles me and reminds me that his Word is "living and breathing."

In reading this particular passage, it really stuns me.  Judas was one of the disciples of Christ.  There were only twelve men called to be Jesus' disciples; they were special, they were his closest friends.  They did life with him, day in and day out.  They saw countless miracles of his, and more than anyone else, they knew him for who he really was: humble, loving, compassionate, serving, God's son.  And yet, Judas agrees to betray Jesus.  And not only that, he thinks of how he can do it "in the absence of a crowd."  He doesn't want others to know he is the one who betrays Jesus to his death.

This begs the question, Can we say we follow Jesus and not truly know him?  Does simply going to church on Sunday and on special occasions make us a follower of Jesus?  Or do we betray him just like Judas does by saying we are followers of Christ and yet living as we wish during the week and in secret?

This struck me this morning.  It makes me question, how do I betray Jesus?  Sin is a betrayal of him.  We like to think that if we don't commit the "major" sins (murder, adultery, theft) that we are okay.  At least I know I do.  But the sins of the heart are no different in God's eyes.  Pride, envy, judging others in our hearts. I would say that these are even more dangerous because we can easily pretend they aren't there.  We can put on a mask and let others think we are "good" people, and yet all of these are lurking beneath the surface. Being aware of our own sin is critical if we desire to follow Christ as he would call us to.  I'm sure Judas thought he was a "good" person.  After all, he was called a disciple of Christ!!  I'm sure he justified what he was doing in some way, just as we justify the sins of our hearts.

As we prepare for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let us take a look into our own hearts.  What is truly inside our hearts?  Do we desire to follow God with our whole lives?  Let us ask him to reveal our true selves, who we really are.  It is only when we open our eyes to who we really are and the sins that fill our heart that we can experience his love, forgiveness, compassion, and his death and resurrection.  He wants to take over our lives and lead us along the perfect paths and plans he has for us.  And it begins with us realizing and owning our own betrayal of him.

Grace and peace,
Kelli

This is such an appropriate song - "Grace and Peace" by Sovereign Grace Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwAWd0sx_6k


Grace and peace, oh how can this be
For lawbreakers and thieves
For the worthless, the least
You have said, that our judgment is death
For all eternity
Without hope, without rest
Oh, what an amazing mystery
What an amazing mystery
That Your grace has come to me

Grace and peace, oh how can this be
The matchless King of all
Paid the blood price for me
Slaughtered lamb, what atonement You bring!
The vilest sinner's heart
Can be cleansed, can be free
Oh, what an amazing mystery
What an amazing mystery
That Your grace has come to me

Grace and peace, oh how can this be
Let songs of gratefulness
Ever rise, never cease
Loved by God and called as a saint
My heart is satisfied
In the riches of Christ
Oh, what an amazing mystery
What an amazing mystery
That Your grace has come to me

Oh, what an amazing love I see
What an amazing love I see
That Your grace has come to me
Oh, what an amazing love I see
What an amazing love I see
That Your grace has come to me