Day 4 :: Betrayal
After Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him. So Jesus told him, “What you’re doing, do quickly.” None of those reclining at the table knew why he said this to him.
John 13:27-28(21-30)
The other day loads of kids in Barlanark were walking to school in their jammies. They hadn’t just all slept in and not had time to put on uniform though. It was World Book Day, and some schools were encouraging kids to come in ready for some cosy reading. Kids could bring in their favourite books, and they were all given a token so they could get a new book for free. It’s a great idea to encourage kids to get excited about books. But it’s one thing to spend a fun day looking at books, or even going to a book shop, and another to actually read the books! After all, you can’t judge a book by it’s cover…
As Jesus and his disciples reclined around the table at the Passover meal, Jesus began to look troubled, and dropped the bomb shell that one of his friends would betray him. The disciples, surprised and confused, looked around, wondering who or what Jesus was talking about. Peter motioned to John to ask Jesus what he was on about.
“He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.” (v26)
The betrayer would be shown by a kind act of friendship, as Jesus handed a piece of the Passover bread. Perhaps this was a final opportunity for Jesus’ betrayer to truly receive the friendship by accepting this gesture with bread.
Judas took the bread and ate it, but instead of taking the opportunity to respond in love, he was consumed by Satan.
Jesus then told him, “What you’re doing, do quickly.” (v27)
He left with the taste of bread in his mouth, but with the poison of sin in his heart.
While Jesus knew all that was happening here, the other disciples were still confused. They figured Judas was away to do some business because he was the money man. Maybe he was even away to make a charitable donation?
But no. Judas went forward with his plan to sell out the one he had followed for three years. He might have looked like a true disciple, but Jesus could read his heart like a book.
Jesus knew the hypocrisy and selfish evil that had filled Judas, even if everyone else was fooled. It’s no wonder Jesus was troubled as he felt the rejection and betrayal of a friend. But it is a wonder that he still loved Judas enough to have him present, and to share bread with him.
Judas is a warning to us all.
It’s easy to look like you’re following Jesus but have hearts that reject him.
We might look like we’ve got a good front cover, but the books of our hearts might make grim reading.
We could be swept into ‘doing Christian things’ but not actually wholeheartedly following Jesus. We could look like we’re doing ok, but inside we’re a mess. We could fool other people, but we can’t fool God.
Take time today to examine your heart.
Are you truly seeking to know Jesus, or are you going through the motions?
Do you desire to serve him, or are you selfishly wanting a benefit from Jesus?
The reality is we’re all hypocrites who will betray Jesus one way or another, but he still offers forgiveness. Jesus calls each of us to turn from our betrayal to humbly accept the forgiveness and life that only he provides.
Passages to read: John 13:21-30, Matthew 26:20-25, Mark 14:17-21, Luke 22:21-23
A thought to remember: Jesus truly knows our hearts.
A question to ask: How have you have betrayed Jesus today?
A song to sing: Jesus, Thank You