TOPIC: BETRAYAL
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 20,21,22; Mark 14:26-50
“Rise up, let us go; lo he that betrayeth me is at hand” Mark 14:42 (KJV)
The word betray is defined by the English dictionary as ‘to deliver into the hands of an enemy by treachery or fraud, in violation of trust”. This definition aptly described the action of Judas’ betrayal of Christ. The act of betrayal is very painful to its victim. It is a treacherous act that is better describe as back stabbing by a close associate. The weight of betrayal can be better understood through the last comment of Julius Caesar when he turned to find out that Brutus a trusted friend was among the conspirators – “even you Brutus.”
The pain of betrayal goes deep to the marrow. This was one of those excruciating agony of Christ on His way to the cross for the redemption of humanity. Christ knew that His betrayer was one of His disciple. It takes the grace of God for a betrayed person to let go his betrayer. The hurt a betrayed individual feels is better known by him. It becomes more complicated to know your betrayer even before the manifestation of the betrayal and you lived with it.. “And as they eat, he said, verily I . “And as they eat, he said, verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray meMatthew 26:21(KJV). To be a victim of betrayal is painful enough, it becomes very excruciating knowing the person eats on the same table with you.
All prophecy concerning the death of Christ was known to Him yet He carried on with so much calm and peace. He did not show any sign of frustration and anger in dealing with Judas. The greed of Judas, a thief, drove him to become the instrument of fulfilment of prophecy. Many close friends have betrayed themselves due to excessive greed. Others were as a result of a hidden grudge or jealousy. A Christian must avoid being a betrayer because it can terminate good Christian relationship and foster hatred among believers. We must of a necessity check our actions, in order to avoid evil retribution associated with betrayal.
Every act of betrayal has its repercussion, which most time is referred to as nemesis. The betrayal of Christ is one of the pains He took to rescue us from destruction. When we experience being betrayed by a close associate the reality of the pains of Christ betrayal will dawn on us. To minimize being betrayed we need to keep most information concerning us to ourselves. We must limit our level of trusting of human being. Jesus Christ must be our focus always.
Prayer: Father grant me the grace to forgive those who have one time or the order betrayed my trust.
Pastor Joel Ezeugo