Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Matthew 26:48-49 NIV
Why did Judas do it? Judas is emboldened by the mob, but what was going on inside his heart? What motivated this act of monstrous betrayal? John 13 is full of insight. Satan had prompted Judas to betray Jesus (John 13:2). Was Judas disappointed in God? That can be a danger for all of us if we face challenges and disappointment in life, health problems and suffering. Was Jesus not the kind of Messiah he wanted and expected? John 12 ascribes to Judas the base motive of greed. Can you imagine betraying God’s Son out of greed? The truth is under fierce attack in this generation and it is so easy to seek respect and acceptance by giving in to pressure. Sin will hand us over to Satan, if we place our wrong choices and our selfish pride and ambition above the glory of God. We are what we are INWARDLY. What we are inside, and in our heart, will eventually come out in our words and our behaviour. Peter meant well as he wielded his sword about wildly. But he too was in the wrong. He was not listening to Jesus. The way to serve and to glorify God is NOT OUR WAY, NOT THE WAY OF POWER, NOT THE WAY OF MANIPULATING OTHERS OR USING FORCE. If Judas is a warning not to betray Jesus by malice and spite, Peter is a warning not to betray Jesus by STUPIDITY AND PRIDE.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, we are aware that we too have the possibility of betraying You.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord we see that the way to serve and to glorify You is not the way of power, manipulation, stupidity or pride, but through following Your example. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Matthew 27:1-10
LISTEN TO TODAY’S DEVOTION
If you received our daily emails, please listen to today’s devotion on our website www.ffdl.co.za
On Facebook follow this link to start listening.