Betrayal and Arrest

October 18

Think About It …

• Consider this quote by Nobel prizewinner Isaac Bashevis Singer.

• Note definition: to deliver to an enemy by treachery

• When you betray someone else, how do you also betray yourself?

• What are common consequences for both the betrayed person and the betrayer?

“When you betray

somebody else, you also betray

yourself.”

Betrayed Person Betrayer

Betrayal and Arrest

• Today we look at an example of an insincere greeting that was a betrayal

• we consider the seriousness of betrayal

• we look at our own personal tendencies to betray the Lord

• Listen for the action of treachery that delivered Jesus to His enemies.

Listen for the action of treachery that delivered Jesus to His enemies.

Matthew 26:47-50 (NIV) While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. [48] Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them:

Listen for the action of treachery that delivered Jesus to His enemies.

"The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." [49] Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. [50] Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

Betray Jesus by Actions

• What happened just as Jesus finished praying in the garden of Gethsemane?

• What do you think the disciples were feeling as they saw the armed mob approaching?

• Why do you think this mob came at night to arrest Jesus?

• What is especially awful about the way Judas betrayed Jesus?

Betray Jesus by Actions

• Note how Judas addresses Jesus, “Rabbi” or “teacher.” What does Judas’ use of rabbi and failure to address Jesus as Lord reveal about his relationship to Jesus?

• In what way is Judas a negative example to all of us?

• Judas’ betrayal was an insincere kiss. When are you most tempted to be insincere in your actions or words?

Betray Jesus by Actions

When you betray someone or betray the Lord …• Be honest with God about your failures.• Share with God your desire to please him.• Ask God to forgive your sins of betrayal.• Thank God that He is faithful to forgive all of

your failures.• Rejoice that you can begin again.• Ask God to help you keep from this sin in the

future.

Listen for how one of the disciples acted impulsively. Guess who!

Matthew 26:51-52 (NIV) With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. [52] "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Betray Jesus with Misguided Intentions

• What did one of Jesus’ disciples do when the mob proceeded to seize and arrest Jesus?

• What motivated Peter to attack? • What did Jesus tell the disciple who

attacked? • When are we tempted to take matters into

our own hands out of “devotion” to God?

Betray Jesus with Misguided Intentions

• In what ways are you tempted to rely on yourself when faced with danger, as the disciples were?

• How would Peter’s misguided intentions have interfered with God’s plan?

Listen for evidence that Jesus could also have stopped the mob.

Matthew 26:53-56 (NIV) Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? [54] But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" [55] At that time Jesus said to the crowd,

Listen for evidence that Jesus could also have stopped the mob.

"Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. [56] But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Betrayal by Abandoning Faith during Difficulty

• What truthful “boast” did Jesus make?

• What did Jesus say to the crowd?

• What does Jesus teach us through His demonstration of obedience to the Father’s will?

Betrayal by Abandoning Faith during Difficulty

• What happened to the disciples when it became obvious that Jesus would be arrested?

• In what areas of our lives do we struggle to trust fully in God’s will and plan? We might wish we could run away like the disciples.

• What does submission to God’s will entail?

Application

• Our Christos book says “The seed of what [Judas] did is in all of us” (p. 252). Wilkes then encourages us to …• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the motives

of your heart • No matter what they expose• Confess, repent, trust God for

forgiveness and strength to go on victoriously

Application

• If you are tempted to “help” God with your own actions

• Don’t follow your own plan

• Follow God’s plan

• Ask Him to show it to you and help you follow it

Application

• If you are going through difficult times

• Submit to God’s will

• Trust His power and authority and love to carry you through

• Resist the temptation run away (spiritually)

Betrayal and Arrest

October 11