Into the Hands of Sinners: Jesus' Betrayal

By Gabi Bemis

“Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!’”—Matthew 26:45–46 (NIV)

Many of us have experienced the fluttering emotions that occur on a significant day like one’s wedding. On our wedding day, we gather around our bridal party—our select closet friends—to share in the emotions of that day. In today’s passage, Jesus has gathered His closest friends, not for a joy-filled occasion, but to ready Himself to take on the most dreaded day of His time on earth.

Hours before this scene in the garden, this group of friends shared a meal, heard instructions from their Teacher, and was even told some perplexing news—that one among them would betray Him. In His greatest hour of need, we find Jesus’ words coming to fruition—His friends deserted Him. He begs them to watch and pray, but instead, they fall asleep. They’re awoken by Jesus’ puzzling words that His betrayer has come and He will be delivered into the hands of sinners. In Jesus’ darkest hour, He faced His troubles alone.

Maybe you’ve experienced something similar. In a time of crisis or need, those closest to you whom you expected to be present were not. This passage reminds us that Jesus, too, experienced the pain of loneliness and betrayal. He’s acquainted with our sorrow and grief.

This passage also serves as a mirror into our hearts and attitudes toward Jesus. If there’s anyone worthy of our loyalty and affection, it’s Jesus, the perfect Son of God! Yet, we’re reminded in this text that the second person of the Trinity—the one who possessed infinite power and glory—came to this earth to give His life for those who would abandon Him. The Son of Man was delivered into the hands of sinners, which includes you and me.

Here we see God’s love on display: Jesus experienced the ultimate abandonment and betrayal, not only by His friends but by His creation in order to restore us to God. Today’s text presents a few questions for us who claim to be His disciples: Are we as loyal to Christ as we believe ourselves to be? How do we act toward God in our Gethsemane moments? Do we remain constant in our prayer life, church attendance, and spiritual practices, or like the disciples, do we fall asleep spiritually?

May Jesus’ exhortation to the disciples awaken us from our slumber as we behold the beauty of what Jesus did for us. Tim Keller writes, “When Jesus looked down from the cross, He didn't think ‘I am giving myself to you because you are so attractive to Me.’ No, He was in agony and looked down at us—denying Himself, abandoning Himself, and betraying Himself—and in the greatest act of love in history, He stayed.”

Friends, my challenge to you is this: Whether in joy or sorrow, make it your mission to remain in Him, just as Jesus did, out of love for you.

Pause: How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Is it intimate and flourishing or distant and dormant?

Practice: Share with a wise friend, mentor, spouse, or trusted individual where you are with the Lord and ask for wisdom on how to grow closer to Jesus.

Pray: Father, I confess there are moments and seasons where instead of drawing closer to You, I’m tempted to pull away. Forgive me, Lord, for running from You rather than toward You in my time of need. Keep my heart tethered to Yours, so I can experience the joy and delight of intimacy with You, not only in joy but in suffering as well. Holy Spirit, help me to watch and pray, to remain faithful and constant in my devotion to Jesus, the only One who is truly worthy of my heart. Amen.