The Set Up: Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal? Maybe it was during high school when a rumor started going around about you, and you found out it was your best friend who started it. Maybe it was when you and a bunch of your friends were pulling a prank and when you got caught, they all let you take the fall. Maybe someone swooped in and stole a client or a commission from you at work. Maybe it was when you found out that your spouse or someone you were dating was unfaithful to you. Betrayal cause us to feel angry, embarrassed, ashamed, and hurt.
Today is Wednesday of Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. The focus of today is Judas’ decision to betray Jesus. In the Gospels we learn that he received thirty pieces of silver for his betrayal and that he betrayed Jesus with a kiss. But was it pure financial greed that motivated Judas? In John’s Gospel we read, “Not that he [Judas] cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself” (John 12:6). So, it’s possible, even probable that when Judas could trade the “daily bread” existence of a disciple for a large sum of money, he took the deal.
Another theory about why Judas betrayed Jesus was that he was trying to provoke Jesus to finally step up and become the Messiah he hoped Jesus would be. Judas had been following Jesus for three years and heard lots of teaching about Jesus’ kingdom. As a Jewish man, Judas had grown up hearing about the Messiah that was going to come and establish Israel as the world’s superpower. But Jesus wasn’t making any power play moves. He wasn’t recruiting an army or using the power that had done many miracles to overthrow the Roman Empire. So, the theory goes, maybe Judas wanted to stir the pot. He figured when they came for Jesus, he would be forced to demonstrate his power. “Maybe,” Judas thought, “I can jump start the process.” And, Judas could go along for the ride.
Whether Judas’ motivation was greed for money or greed for power, the reality is that Judas betrayed Jesus because he wasn’t doing what Judas wanted him to do. That’s the part I can relate to. The times where I have betrayed Jesus or distanced myself from him have been the moments when I didn’t think he was going to do what I had hoped he would do. Sometimes it is greed on my part. I want what I want for me. Other times, I realize God’s agenda for my life and my agenda are not the same. Can you relate? Is there a time when because of pressure from the outside or desire on the inside you have betrayed Jesus by your actions? I have. And maybe you have too. The good news of Easter is that Jesus loves and gave his life for us anyway. The bible tells us that even we are unfaithful toward God he remains faithful toward us. What a gift! We can repent, ask for his forgiveness, and we can receive it. That’s what’s so amazing about Easter!
Biblical Passage to Read: Matthew 26:1-16
Reflection Questions:
• Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? How did that make you feel?
• What do you think Judas was thinking when he sold Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver?
• Is there an area where you are ‘betraying’ Jesus in your life? What would it take to change that?
Prayer Focus: Jesus, you loved Judas, your betrayer, to the end. You gave your life for him on the cross. I thank you that even when I have betrayed you by pursuing my agenda instead of yours, you gracefully offer mercy and forgiveness. Amen.