Apr 27 Devotion: Prepared for Betrayal

PREPARED FOR BETRAYAL

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.  2).  And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.  3).  Then entered Satan into Judas sur-named Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.  4).  And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.  5).  And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.  6).  And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.  7).  Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the pass-over must be killed.  8).  And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the pass-over, that we may eat.  9).  And they said to him, where wilt thou that we prepare?  10).  And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.  11).  And ye shall say unto the good-man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where shall I eat the pass-over with my disciples?  12).  And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.  13).  And they went, and found as he had said unto them:  and they made ready the pass-over.

We’ve all experienced or witnessed betrayal at some point. And no example in the Bible illustrates the pain, guilt, and shame caused by that sin more clearly than the story of Judas.

Chosen as one of the twelve, Judas was privileged. According to the Bible, he was even granted the responsibility of maintaining the disciples’ money box. But that same verse reveals an important truth about Judas—he was a thief.

John indicates greed was Judas’ weakness. After Mary had anointed the Lord’s feet, Judas complained, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” (v. 5). The following verse, however, clarifies that he wanted the money only for himself. One can safely assume that if Judas had reached the point of stealing cash from Jesus’ supply, then his greed had gone unchecked for some time. That hidden sin was all Satan needed to interfere with his life. And once the Enemy stepped in, the disciple began “seeking a good opportunity” to betray Jesus (Luke 22:6)

First Peter 5:8 says the Devil is as a “roaring lion”, seeking whom he may devour.” And in Judas, Satan found a willing victim. If we’re honest with ourselves, each of us has a natural tendency toward sin. Daily communion with God keeps hidden sins from becoming greater problems. Left unchecked, the “roaring lion” will also come after us, no matter what our  weakness may be. Ask the Lord to reveal any sins you need to confess. Deal with them today—don’t let sin lead you down the path of Judas.

-IBC