Betrayer

“While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?” He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.”Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭21‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Judas was publicly unmasked, yet, still he proceeded with his unholy deed. Here he had an opportunity to repent and be forgiven. However, had he repented would we now have our saviour? We know that the Pharisees were intent on killing Jesus and would have found another way. For Judas to be eternally known as betrayer, how sad!

We are all given an opportunity to repent. I was told a few days ago of a Christian who reported an organisation who had done much good, all because of jealousy. How can we stoop so low? What causes brother to betray brother? Hatred and jealousy all come from an unclean heart, a heart of bitterness and envy. We are told to guard our hearts:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We must be careful of our hearts. Judas became offended at Mary for wasting expensive ointment when she poured it on Jesus’ feet. His offence was a public display of a greedy heart. He betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas realised his sin and endeavoured to return the money but was mocked by the Pharisees. Judas ended his own life rather than going to Jesus in repentance. 

Repentance is always better than taking your own life. Always!