Real Hope: The Passion - Week 1Sample

Jesus Betrayed By Judas

Betrayal points to an unresolved issue never brought to the cross. For Judas, it was the love of money – he had a temporal value system. The Jewish leaders were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus. Judas was looking for an opportunity to make a quick buck and to gracefully exit from his commitment to Jesus and eleven friends.

Judas identified Jesus to the temple police by kissing Him on the cheek. Was ever there such a more powerful symbol of betrayal? Jesus knew it would be Judas who betrayed Him. So, Jesus understands what it’s like to be betrayed. 1 Peter 2:23 says, ‘He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.’ Jesus experienced physical wounds. But He also knew the wounds that come from betrayal. And yet He said, as they killed Him, ‘Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing’.

I don’t know what betrayal you may have faced, but Jesus knows and understands. Hebrews 12:2 describes Jesus looking right through the cross and seeing it was worth it because He saw you on the other side. He saw me. He loved us so much He was willing to be betrayed for our sakes. No matter what you’re going through as a betrayed person, Jesus is there for you. God has a purpose in everything we go through. And God’s purpose always prevails.

Written by CHRIS WITTS