BETRAYAL OF A FRIEND HURTS
SCRIPTURE:
“Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now, the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day, I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.” (Mark 14:43—52)
OBSERVATION:
One could only ask, what happened to Judas’ heart? Why betray his friend? It is not here in the gospel of Mark, but in the gospel of Luke and John, they wrote this; “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve” (Luke 22:3). And John wrote; “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So, Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (John 13:27)
Moreover, it wasn’t just Judas who fell under the spirit of betrayal. Jesus told all his disciples before Judas betrayed him that they would fall away. Mark said that EVERYONE DESERTED HIM AND FLED. Just in case I am quick to point the finger at Judas and all the disciples, I, too, have betrayed Jesus in many ways. I betrayed Jesus when I lived my life in an inconsistent manner with his truth. I betrayed him by not living in his truth. I betrayed him by not being faithful to his calling.
Satan seeks to destroy relationships. Satan will exploit our weakness in relationships to distrust, to drive a wedge between people so that their relationship is wrecked. I am reminded to be careful of the devasting effect of the spirit of betrayal. Satan loves to wreck relationships by sowing discord among people and bringing destruction into their lives.
Satan knows my inconsistency in my walk with Jesus. Satan knows my weakness and seeks to exploit it for his purpose. He knew all of the disciple’s weaknesses, and he exploited their fall. Satan knew Judas’ weaknesses in the area of money. He knew Peter’s weaknesses in speaking before he thought through what he said. He knew all the disciple’s weaknesses of fear, and he exploited and caused all of Jesus’ disciples to flee.
Satan works overtime to exploit our weaknesses. Satan ENTERED into Judas and took over his heart. I am reminded that Satan seeks to enter my thoughts and heart to cause me to betray my Lord. Satan works daily to do this in my life. I need to examine my heart daily before the Lord and see if there is any wicked thing in me and repent from it. I must never forget that Satan works overtime to enter my heart.
APPLICATION:
I will make it a priority to guard my heart and my mind daily. I know the enemy is constantly throwing temptations my way. I know Satan always works his purpose through good things that, while they are good, are not good in God’s purpose. Today, I will continue to guard my heart and my mind daily, for it is where Satan does his work daily. I will stay true to Jesus and depend on him to hold me closer to him in times of weakness.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for reminding me that Satan is like a lion seeking out those he may devour. I pray that your hand continues to cover me and watch over my heart and mind. Help me always be aware that Satan seeks to destroy me by exploiting my weaknesses. Please help me to trust you at all times and to walk closer to you. I look to you, Lord, for your coverage and Holy Spirit to guide me and give me the wisdom to see the works of the devil. In your name Jesus, Amen!
