One of the most fascinating and incredible betrayal stories in the bible is the betrayal of Judas. Judas was one of the 12 disciples, one of those who always walked with Jesus during the three and a half years that his ministry lasted, and yet he was the one who, for a few coins, betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Do you wonder what is fascinating and exciting about this story? What Jesus did even knowing about the betrayal is the lesson for you and me today.
Jesus came to earth to save humanity. Jesus knew God's plan for us, and he knew that at some point, everything would align with God's divine plan, which was to sacrifice his son to give us salvation. The events preceding the death of Jesus are necessary links in the chain of events that led him to the cross.
In John's book, chapter 13: 18-38 tells the story of the last supper that Jesus had with his disciples before his eventual arrest. Jesus already knew that one of his beloved disciples was going to betray him. What would you do if you knew that someone sitting at the same table would betray you? My answer differs significantly from the lesson Jesus gives us below.
Even knowing that Judas was going to betray him, Jesus put aside all the emotions that he probably felt at that moment; he understood that everything was part of God's plan and therefore had to be fulfilled. So in total humility, he got up from the table, tied a towel around his waist, and proceeded to wash his disciples' feet. He washed the feet of all the disciples, including those of Judas. A short time later, those same feet would rush to sell him to his enemies.
After washing their feet, when they were getting ready to eat, Jesus announces the betrayal. In verse 21, Jesus says: “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” What a hard time for Jesus to know that one of his own would put him in his enemies' hands! Jesus breaks the bread and says: “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” Jesus incites Judas to carry out what Satan had already put in his heart.
There will be times when people in your circle will betray you; they will harm you. Before washing the disciples feet, in verses 2 to 4, it says: The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. These verses teach us that Jesus knew that the devil had placed in Judas the intention of delivering him, but Jesus also knew that everything came from God to fulfill his mission.
The enemy will cause your loved ones to betray you, not to believe in you, to pass on you. Some will even slander and cause you a lot of pain. But just as Jesus identified the devil's strategy behind Judas's actions, he also understood that all this happened as part of a higher plan. If someone has betrayed you, if someone has damaged you and you don't know how something like this could happen, read this story of Jesus.
The enemy will inevitably rise against you, but he can't cancel God's plan for your life. Jesus saw the situation from a higher perspective. He didn't argue with Judas or even tried to stop him. Jesus treated Judas at that time with the same love as his other disciples. He did not seek revenge or desired to harm to Judas. If you've read the story, in the end, Judas ended up taking his own life because of his conscience and the weight of his actions.
Even during the pain of betrayal, go ahead with what God called you to do. Understand that those people causing evil are operating under the influence of the enemy. It is not personal. God is on your side and fights your battles. Keep calm and trust God.
Blessings!
