THE BETRAYER

Read: MATTHEW 26:47-56

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Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 9-12

Who betrayed Jesus? Simultaneously, we mention one name, that is Judas, one of His twelve disciples. The reason is clear, Judas sold Jesus to the chief priests (cf. Matt. 26:14-16).

Judas executed his action after Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. The betrayer came with a large crowd of people carrying swords and clubs (v. 47). They intended to arrest Jesus. At that moment, there was another person who betrayed Jesus, and their number was not few. Who are they? The answer is, His other eleven disciples. The Bible records, "... all the disciples deserted Him and fled" (v. 56b). Among those who were always with Him, there was no one who remained by His side. They too were "the betrayer". The event of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane opens our eyes to the heartbreaking current situation. It is evident that there are countless people betraying Jesus. Including among them is us. Have we not often committed acts equivalent to "deserting Jesus"? Instead of doing His will, we are more inclined to follow the desires of sin.

Judas hanged himself, thus ending the story of "the betrayer" (Matt. 27:5). The eleven disciples regrouped. Along with Matthias, Judas' replacement, they spread the Gospel throughout the world (Acts 1:26). No longer were they called "the betrayer", but "the apostles". Let us, 'the betrayer', not follow in the footsteps of Judas. Do not despair when realizing that we have deserted the Lord. Follow the example of the eleven disciples. Return to the Lord, confess our sins before Him. Then, pray for strength to withstand every time sinful desires emerge. --LIN/www.renunganharian.net

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WHEN WE REALIZE THAT WE HAVE BETRAYED, LET US QUICKLY REPENT.

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