“As Jesus was still speaking, Judas [Iscariot], one of the twelve [disciples], came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, [who came as representatives] from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings (rejoice), Rabbi!” And he kissed Him [in a deliberate act of betrayal]. Jesus said to Judas, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then they came and seized Jesus and arrested Him.”
Matthew 26:47-50 AMP
And at this point you are probably well aware I use the King James Version when referencing scripture in my blog simply because research says it’s the version least tampered with regarding the original scriptures. However, I used amplified for this scripture simply because it truly highlights the message in this passage.
This scripture speaks about when Judas betrayed Jesus and was asked to identify him and he told them he would do so by kissing Him. They had come to arrest Jesus and take Him to the cross. We as Christians speak on the passion of Christ and how the crucifixion was simply gruesome, but also a testament of God’s love. However, the past few weeks God has brought into focus all the surrounding events that led up to the cross.
Here Jesus had spent so much intimate time with Judas. Judas had a trusted position among Jesus and the disciples. He was the treasurer so he had charge over the money. Judas had witnessed all the miracles God performed throughout His three year ministry. Judas had experienced God’s humility, God’s love for them (disciples) as well as His love for others. Yet, it wasn’t enough to stop the betrayal. Think about that. Judas knew who Jesus was, he’d seen his love, power and might so what in the world would give Judas the guts to betray God? I guess we should first ask ourselves!
We might not have taken a bribery to “snitch” on Jesus, but as Believers if our life is suppose to be our sacrifice to Him, in what ways do we betray God? I know you are thinking, Tiffany, you are reaching, but think about it. Betrayal means to be disloyal. To be disloyal means failing to be loyal to a person or place (such a country) that one has obligations to. As Believers we have obligations to God with the number one obligation being to serve Christ and the second being to serve each other.
So before you think you are better than Judas, have you betrayed Christ? Do you continue to be disloyal and fail to fulfill your obligations to God? Are you God’s servant to the degree you put Him first? I can think of numerous ways I have not been loyal to God. I can think of 100 times I failed to serve God because I served my flesh. I can think of a million times I didn’t put God first! Thank God His grace is sufficient therefore if you are reading this blog right now, you have time to get it right! It’s time to put things back in their proper place regarding God. Please remember your soul is at stake.