Holy Week – Betrayal Part 1

Matthew: 26. 47 - 50 (NIV)

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 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. Jesus replied, ’Do what you came for, friend.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

I’ve been a big fan of the devotionals since they began back in lockdown. I open my email - a short passage, often followed by a personal or humorous illustration and then a helpful application showing me how to live as Jesus wants me to. Once read, I move onto the next email with a smile on my face having been reminded who God is and what he’s called me to do.

This week, however, we're facing something crushingly heavy in the story of Jesus. The Scripture is unbearably hard to read.

The Bible isn’t made up of happy stories and uplifting verses worthy of been pinned on your fridge. Throughout the Scriptures time and again there is pain, hurt, betrayal, rejection and loss, all of which we may want to skip over and look the other way. 

As we begin Holy Week, I’m inviting you to journey through the final three chapters of Matthew and accompany Jesus on his way to the cross. It’s in our nature to want to rush to the celebrations of Easter Sunday, but let’s slow down and realise the cost and reality of what our Saviour Jesus Christ has done.

In today’s passage Judas, one of the twelve disciples, part of Jesus’ inner circle, kisses Jesus as a sign for the guards to arrest him. This was the turning point, as Jesus’ journey to the cross had just accelerated.

I’ve never been arrested. I imagine it’s pretty horrible. But to be arrested because of betrayal by one of your friends is hard to comprehend.

Jesus carried this rejection to the cross, an additional weight and burden on his shoulders. Sadly this isn’t the only time he’ll be rejected this week.

Pray — Jesus, I’m sorry for where I’ve rejected you. Forgive me I pray.