Seeds of Betrayal

September 17

(Luke 22:1-6 NIV) “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, {2} and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. {3} Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. {4} And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. {5} They were delighted and agreed to give him money. {6} He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.”

(John 12:1-6 NIV) ““Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. {2} Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. {3} Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. {4} But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, {5} "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." {6} He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.””

(Ephesians 4:25-32 NIV) ““Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. {26} "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, {27} and do not give the devil a foothold. {28} He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. {29} Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. {30} And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. {31} Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. {32} Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.””

Judas’ betrayal of Christ will live in infamy. It ranks up there with Lucifer’s rebellion against God. The chief priests and teachers of the law had failed at catching Jesus in punishable errors. They had also failed at dissuading the people from following this young prophet from Nazareth. They needed a Judas. The seeds of betrayal had been planted in Judas long before the night he visited the religious authorities. He had been stealing from Jesus and the disciples for some time. He gave the devil a foothold. He was dishonest and disappointed -- a volatile combination. Christ had not measured up to his expectations. But avoid feeling smug, for we all have a bit of Judas in us. What would it take for you to sell out or bail out? Being angry with God and disappointed with our circumstances, form the seedbed of betrayal. Don’t give the devil a foothold! Be careful, or those seeds can sprout. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day