The Betrayal of Christ
Matthew 26:14-16, 47-56
Prayer: We have read of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, Father. We are horrified by it, yet we read how Jesus continued to call Judas “friend.” Help us, O God, to follow Christ’s example when we are betrayed, but more importantly, strengthen us, lest we fall prey to the same temptation. May we always honor Jesus and never deny Him, we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jesus had some faithful friends and some false friends.
The Traitor, Judas Iscariot
A. He was one of the 12 disciples Jesus chose.
B. Jesus called him the devil, John 6:70-71.
C. Jesus called him the son of perdition, John 17:12.
The Traitor’s Proffer
A. He went to the chief priests.
B. He asked, “What will ye give me to betray Jesus?”
C. He promised: “I will deliver Him to you.”
The Offer: 30 Pieces of Silver
A. Thirty pieces of silver is the price of a slave, Exodus 21:32.
B. This is the fulfillment of prophecy, Zechariah 11:12.
C. The search for opportunity for the betrayal.
The Arrest of Jesus
A. The Posse
- The Traitor
- Roman soldiers
- Officers of the High Priest
B. The Weapons
- Swords by Roman soldiers
- Clubs by officers of the High Priest
C. The Warrant from the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court
The Plan
A. The Sign–a kiss
B. The Instruction: “Hold Him fast!”
The Deceit
A. The Greeting: “Hail, Master!”
B. The Kiss of Betrayal
The Master’s Response
A. “Friend”
B. “Why has you come?”
Peter’s Response, John 18:10
A. He drew his sword (one of the 2 swords among the disciples)
B. He exposed the other disciples to the response of the soldiers.
C. He cut off a servant’s ear.
The Lord’s Response: “Put up thy sword into his place.”
A. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual, 2 Corinthians 10:3-4.
B. Jesus could summon 12 legions of angels (72,000), but the Scriptures must be fulfilled.
C. Why are you coming at Me with swords and clubs, when I was in your presence in the Temple?
The Shameful Fear of the Disciples
They forsook Him and fled.
A. This was their sin.
B. This was part of the Lord’s suffering.
- Christ, as a sacrifice for sins, was abandoned.
- Christ, as the Savior of souls, stood alone.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, our hearts are filled with contempt and hatred for the betrayal of Judas, yet we know Jesus freely gave Himself as the sacrifice for our sins and failures. Forgive us when we respond with fear and act foolishly or rashly. Help us in the hour of our trial to be true to Christ. We pray in His name, Amen.