Tuesday January 10, 2017
Judas’ Ignoble Example
-JOHN 18:1-12
Key Verse:
"And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples" (John 18:2).
There are several stories of betrayals. In many cases, the betrayals were of dire consequences. A case in point is that of an Austrian army officer, Alfred Redl. Redl betrayed his country by working as a spy for the Russian military before and during World War 1. He leaked sensitive information about the Austrian army to the Russians and deceived his countrymen by giving them false information about Russia’s military strength thereby exposing Austrian agents to the enemy. His actions led to the deaths of half a million Austrians. When police discovered his betrayal, Redl committed suicide. Betrayal has a larger history than Redl’s. Long before Redl was born, one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas Iscariot, committed the greatest betrayal in recorded history. Christ ended the day’s ministration and decided to retire, with His disciples, to a familiar resort – the Garden of Gethsemane. That Christ oftentimes retreated to this garden was an indication that He was committed to a quiet and meditative life despite His busy public ministry. As they passed through the Brook of Cedron on that moonlit night, Judas Iscariot was missing from their company – he was on another mission. He had gone to seal the deal of betrayal with the chief priests (Christ’s antagonists). When, eventually, soldiers were drafted to arrest Jesus that night, they were led by no other than Judas Iscariot who knew all about Christ’s movements. Christ Himself stated that "a man’s foes shall be they of his own household" (Matthew 10:36). It should be noted that backsliders and apostates – people who, like Judas, knew the way – make the most zealous persecutors of true Christians. It is disheartening to note that today, some professing Christians, in their quest for personal profit, property or position, betray close friends and brethren. They care less about the excruciating pain inflicted on their victims. Some still betray Christ by living in such a way that brings reproach to His name. We must resist the temptation of playing the traitor – no matter the perceived gain. As can be seen in the case of Judas, the gain of betrayal soon turns into pain.
Thought for the day: Betrayal is advanced stage of backsliding.
Bible Reading in one Year: MATTHEW 22 - 23
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