The Art of Betrayal

There is a lot about the betrayal of Jesus that we should learn from in our walk with Jesus to help prevent us from stumbling. Luke 22:3-6 gives us insight into the process of the betrayal. Verse 3 tells us, “And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve.” Peter warned us, “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).” He cautioned “be firm in your faith (5:9).” Temptation abounds each day and we must be alert and on guard so as to not fall into the traps set by the evil one and act on it.

Judas “went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them (Luke 22:4).” He took the next step and turned his thoughts into action. He went to like-minded people who encouraged him to betray Jesus — people who enticed him with money to act. When temptation enters our mind we should turn to God’s word and people devoted to Jesus who can divert us from sin and strengthen our faith. We don’t want to fall into the trap that Timothy warned about: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3).”

Judas listened to the encouragement of the chief priests and officers. “So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd (Luke 22:6).” Together, they conspired to seize Jesus in secret, away from the crowds that usually accompanied Jesus. — away from witnesses. So often temptation, when it gets to a point of planning, seeks to do the act in secret. There is an inner voice that reminds of its wrong so the carrying through often relies on secret to avoid witnesses.

Ultimately, Judas felt remorse for what he had done (Matthew 27:3). Even if we fall into temptation, it is that same remorse that sparks us to seek redemption and forgiveness of our sin. Paul reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).” But praise God that “He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).” May we learn from our mistakes and continually seek to deepen our faith in Christ as we continue to be sanctified in our Lord Jesus.

© 2022, Chris G Thelen

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:31-32 (NASB)

When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” – Luke 22:40