Day 31 - The Disciple Double-Cross

by Grace Outlaw

Matthew & John

In the days leading up to Easter, we reflect on one of the most poignant moments in Jesus' journey to the cross: the betrayal by Judas Iscariot. This event, recorded in all four Gospels, serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human nature and the depths of God's love and forgiveness.

Judas, one of the Twelve chosen by Jesus, betrayed his savior for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of treachery stands in stark contrast to the loyalty and love Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry. In John 13:1, we read, "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."

The motivations behind Judas' betrayal remain a subject of debate, but man do I wish we could know why... Some suggest greed, others disappointment in Jesus' refusal to become a political messiah, not fully realizing the extremity of His true purpose here on earth. Regardless of the reason, Judas' actions remind us of our own capacity for betrayal and the consequences of putting our desires above our commitment to Christ.

I know, I know… it’s easy to look at Judas and believe ourselves to be nothing like him. But I think if we looked at ourselves honestly – flaws on full display – we might be surprised at our capacity for betrayal.

In our modern lives, we may not literally sell out Jesus, but we often face situations where our loyalty is tested. We might compromise our values for financial gain, prioritize our ambitions over our faith, or simply fail to stand up for what we believe in when it's inconvenient. Each time we do so, we echo Judas' betrayal in our own way.

Yet, even in this dark moment, we see glimpses of God's sovereignty and Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission. Jesus knew of Judas' impending betrayal but still washed his feet along with the other disciples (John 13:2-5). This act of humble service to the one who would betray Him exemplifies the radical love and forgiveness Jesus calls us to embody.

As we navigate our own struggles with loyalty and trust, we can draw strength from Jesus' example. He remained steadfast in His love and purpose, even in the face of betrayal. We, too, are called to love unconditionally and forgive generously, even when it's difficult.

Moreover, Judas' story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing our hearts to be hardened. Despite spending years in Jesus' presence, Judas allowed other influences to corrupt his loyalty. This serves as a reminder of the importance of continually examining our hearts and motives, staying connected to Christ through prayer and community.

As we journey through the Lenten and Easter season, let us reflect on our own faithfulness to Christ. Where have we, like Judas, been tempted to betray our values or compromise our faith? How can we strengthen our commitment to following Jesus, even when it's challenging?