Fidelity and Betrayal
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Matthew 26:14-16
Have you ever been betrayed by someone you trusted, perhaps even a friend? Using words like trust, betray, and friend brings out emotions, especially if you must answer yes to this question.
Jesus experienced that kind of pain. The gospel of John describes it - “Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.’” Jesus knew Judas’s heart of deception. He knew Judas would betray him as soon as he had the opportunity.
Was Judas motivated by money? We learn in another passage that he was “keeper of the money bag” for Jesus and the disciples, and that “he used to help himself to what was put into it”. On Tuesday of Holy Week, when Judas asked the religious leaders, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” was it silver he had in mind or something bigger? They counted out thirty pieces of silver, and Judas began watching for the time to betray Jesus.
As a disciple, Judas had heard Jesus teach about trust and friendship. They’d traveled together for three years as Master and disciple. Judas had watched Jesus heal people and calm a stormy sea. Judas was present when Jesus raised Lazarus. What happened? What motivated him the most, his love of money, his disappointment that Jesus would not over through the Roman government or the influence of Satan?
Whatever the ultimate reason, Judas betrayed his Master. Even though Jesus knew Judas would do this, on Thursday evening Jesus gave him communion and washed his feet. Even in the face of betrayal, Jesus was faithful, motivated by love for all of us and each of us, for His Father and for Judas. Jesus won’t betray us; he’s a trustworthy friend and Savor. May we be His trustworthy followers.
Lord Jesus, help us to trust and follow You, no matter what the cost, with You as our example of true love and fidelity. In Your name, Amen.