Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. Luke 22:3-4
We have all experienced what it looks like to be let down by the people, even those closest to us. In this imperfect world corrupted by sin, we will undoubtedly face hurt and conflict with the people around us. We are certainly not alone in facing this heartbreak. Jesus Himself experienced deep betrayal during the last week of His life, and He set an incredible example for us of trusting God the Father’s plan in the middle of our hardships.
One of Jesus’ main disciples, Judas, decided to betray Jesus in Luke 21. The leading priests and religious leaders were looking for ways to have Jesus killed because they were threatened by Him. Judas misunderstood Jesus and thought He had missed a chance to be a political leader and gain financially from what He was doing. He reached His limit finally, during this last week of Jesus’ life. In fact, Scripture teaches that He went to the leading priests and temple guards and looked for “the best way to betray Jesus to them” (verse 6). They promised Him money in exchange for betraying Jesus at a time when there was no crowd around who would object to this arrest, and he agreed (verse 6). In that moment, Judas chose money and power over Jesus.
Think about it. Judas had spent 3 years with Jesus. He saw the miracles with his own eyes. He sat next to Jesus at the last supper. Yet, despite these things, he still sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. This would have been heartbreaking. Even worse, Jesus was betrayed by a kiss of friendship.
What it comes down to is what matters most to us. Is it money or fame? Is it popularity? Is it something else? Is it Christ? Friends, Jesus paid the ultimate price by coming to earth, dying on a cross, and conquering sin and death. Will we follow Him, or will we become distracted by things of the earth that are passing away? The remarkable thing about Jesus is that He knew the pain that was coming from His betrayal and death, yet He still went through with what He was called to do by God the Father because of His faith. Will we do the same?
Even in the middle of our struggles, we can trust God. One of the ways we can demonstrate our faith in the middle of heartache or pain is to worship. Make plans to join us to worship with us at one of our services this weekend and invite a friend. Even in the middle of our struggles, God is worthy of our worship.
Luke 22:1-6 (NLT)
"Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present."
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