Scripture

Then Jesus said, “I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.” He was speaking of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who would later betray him.

~John 6:70-71, NLT

Quote

“The betrayal of a friend wounds the soul more deeply than the attack of an enemy.”

~Chat GPT

Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the narrow sense; actually, they all betrayed Him in a broader sense, but we focus on Judas. The huge difference in our betrayal and Jesus is that he was not shocked or surprised. He knew who his betrayer was all along because Jesus could see hearts. Jesus had X-ray vision and He could read minds. In His presence, you would not only worry about what to say, you would have to worry about your thoughts. In our betrayals, we concentrate on the pain it causes us but in the case of Judas we see vividly, the pain it caused him [Judas]. I know what Judas did was wrong and I would never name a child after Judas, but I have always felt sorry for him. He is a prime example of a person deceived by sin. John tells us in chapter 13 of his gospel that the devil prompted Judas. The KJV says the devil “put it in his heart to betray Jesus.”

There is no telling what the devil had promised Judas but judging by the tragic end of Judas life, Judas had realized that the devil had deceived him. I doubt that Judas did it for the thirty pieces of silver. I may be wrong but I think Judas was looking at something much bigger. I do think he was greedy, but I think he wanted great wealth, not thirty pieces of silver. The devil may have convinced him that he could force Jesus to become an earthly king. Judas knew Jesus had supernatural power and not even an army could arrest Him unless He allowed it to happen. Once Judas saw that Jesus was not going to defend Himself he knew he had made a tradgic mistake. Of course, there is no way to prove this theory but if thirty pieces of silver had been what Judas was after, he would have taken the money and ran.

There is one key difference between David’s betrayal and that of Jesus. David didn’t see it coming and was shocked: Jesus knew all along. There is one key difference between our betrayal and that of David and Jesus. Their vindication came immediately. Judas died an ignominious death before Jesus was crucified. David’s two co-conspirators died within days. Like Judas, Ahithophel hanged himself and Absalom also hanged himself, just not intentionally. Joab, the scum of the earth, finishes Absalom off. Our vindication is not usually that quick. Sometimes our betrayers prosper; even become millionaires. If they suffer any pangs of guilt or remorse, it does not show. In fact, it seems like they live happy ever after.

Just be thankful. Be thankful that it was you who was betrayed and not you who betrayed someone else. Sorrow is easier to do with than guilt.

Extra

June did check on Cam yesterday; he is still in pain and no doctor will see him until after Christmas. Joe David and Lori carried me to the mall with the golden dome yesterday evening and six of the grands went along. It is my favorite mall. All I do is sit at the food court and eat but I like the mall. I wish they would move it to this side of the Airport. Greenbriar would be a great spot. Too many people in Huntsville.

Christmas Eve is upon us and I still have some visits to make. Looking forward to the Candlelight Communion service at 5:00. I have to remember to buy one large white candle. I will see some of you at communion and for the rest, I WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS.