Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them.

Mark 14:10

 

Betrayal
But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
Luke 22:48
Betrayal can often occur amongst the closest of friends; Jesus, Himself, was betrayed by one of His twelve disciples. This is because the people that are closest to us will know us better than others and the evil one will always seek an opportunity to divide friendships and cause disharmony amongst the brethren.

 

We must always be aware that our wrestle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world. Judas tried to mask his act of betrayal with a kiss but Jesus already knew that the devil had put it into Judas’ heart to betray Him.

 

In our lives today, there may be those who are seen to be giving lip service to the Lord but their hearts are far from Him. It is easy for some to hide in the company of believers, just as Judas was included amongst the twelve disciples and therefore, there is a great need for us to ask the Holy Spirit for His wisdom and discernment so that we are not misled or overcome by discouragement and disappointment when betrayal comes.

 

Jesus, who experienced betrayal Himself, is our role model. He was totally focused on obeying His Father in heaven; the sting of betrayal by one of His disciples did not deter Him from fulfilling God’s purpose for His life on earth.

 

Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your forgiveness; help us to forgive those who have betrayed and falsely accused us, knowing that You first forgave us. Amen.

 

God bless you,
Theo & Manju