Betrayal of Jesus

Betrayal is one of the most devastating experiences in life. Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of his most trusted friends. Judas intoxicated with greed, for love of lucre was willing to betray his Lord and Master. He betrayed Jesus with one of the most intimate expressions of affection- kiss. Jesus so trusted Judas that he entrusted to him the common purse. Judas often reclines next to Jesus at the table. Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me (Ps 41:9)  Judas had the singular privilege of having personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. But he was willing to throw all away for thirty silver pieces.


Betrayal is an ‘inside job’

Betrayal often occurs in a loving and intimate relationship. We experience betrayal when we dare to love and trust. Love and trust can make us vulnerable. Every betrayal begins with a trust. The traitor knows us all too well; knows our secrets. It is difficult for an outsider or a stranger to betray us. It has been said that “the saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.”  The Psalmist says: “if this had been done by an enemy I could bear his taunts. If a rival had risen against me I could hide from him. But it is you my own companion, my intimate friend. How close was the friendship between us?” (Ps 55: 12-14).

To Love or Not to Love?

A sage once prayed: “Lord guard me against my close friends, protect me from my friends, but do not worry about my enemies, I can take care of them.”   A close friend can become an inveterate enemy. This is the reason some cynics proffer that it is better not to love, not to trust at all. The risk, they believe, outweighs the benefits. Some cynics have suggested that "distrust is the only defense against betrayal." Not to love or not to trust is not a Christian option. The Bible encourages us to love everybody as the Father loves us. It is also suggested that we love our enemies or betrayer. Vulnerability may not be a sufficient reason for not loving others. Jesus foreknew that Judas would betray him. He loved him and chose him anyway. Love will always remain a risk in this fallen world.


Penalty of Betrayal

Judas paid a hefty price for treachery. Though our God is rich in mercy and does not take pleasure in the death of the sinner, Judas despaired of God’s mercy. He hanged himself with the proceeds of his betrayal scattered about him (Matt 27:5, Acts 1:18-19). Jesus says “the Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born” (Matt 26:24). Betrayal is ultimately self defeating. The betrayer betrays himself before he betrays his victim. The betrayer suffers far more than the betrayed. A betrayer may be forgiven but never trusted again.