YEA Lesson Library

The Lesson

Ben was ambitious. He always wanted more. By the time he was 21, he had become a pharmacist and a book seller, even though his main interests were elsewhere. In his early thirties, he joined the armed forces to fight for his country and to follow the dreams of his youth. He quickly rose to the rank of colonel and successfully led the troops he had developed against the enemy at the age of 34. He was wounded in a particularly unsuccessful assault, a sortie he commanded at the request of the highest general of the American forces. As a result of his bravery and leadership abilities, he was appointed brigadier general. Not all of his battles were successful, but his talents were legendary. After several setbacks, he grew to feel victimized by events beyond his control. At 38, after more than three years of valiant combat leadership for America, he secretly offered his services to the enemy and gained the level of fame he had sought. You’ve studied the history of America’s most infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold, in your American History class. He became a household name, not for his many talents, abilities and successes, but rather for his betrayal of his country.

During Benedict Arnold’s career with the American revolutionaries, General George Washington was his staunchest defender. Washington repeatedly engineered the appointment of him to positions of authority and responsibility. When he was forced into a position of reprimanding Arnold, Washington did so reluctantly and with great compassion. The ensuing defection must have been felt with deep pain and sorrow. Betrayal of a close and trusted friend is devastating.

Judas Iscariot was with Jesus and His followers for more than three years. He was a constant companion of his leader and was prominent in many of the activities. Yet, in the end, he proved to be a traitor. His ambition and personal desires were stronger than his loyalties and eventually became his obsession. Thirty pieces of silver were more important than the mission he had followed so faithfully with the other disciples. Surely, he had heard the same message and seen the same miracles that the others had witnessed. And, of course, there were instances where he considered the mission to be a failure. He saw the “wasted” precious oil being frivolously poured over Jesus’ head. As the trusted keeper of the meager funds, he saw what he considered to be repeated missed opportunities to make more money and to use it for the good of others. And he saw other disciples being rewarded more handsomely than he. Frustration continued to grow in Judas’ heart.

At long last, Judas considered the mission of Jesus to be a failure. It became painfully evident to him that the long anticipated coup that was to result in Jesus being the King was not going to occur. The Romans had won out; the Jews were against them; there was no way the planned revolt was going to be successful. Since they were going to win anyway, Judas decided he could help them and profit from his knowledge of where Jesus would be when they were searching for Him.

Jesus had just finished praying the most heartfelt prayer of His life. Three times He asked His Father to find another way than having Him suffer such a painful death. Yet, He prayed “but I want your will and not mine.” At that very moment Judas showed up with men armed with swords and clubs, sent by the Jewish leaders. Judas truly played the hypocrite. He had the nerve to embrace and kiss Jesus while he was betraying Him for a measly 30 pieces of silver.

Simon Peter became indignant about the chief priests and Pharisees coming to arrest Jesus. He drew his sword and immediately slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the High Priest’s servant. Jesus said, “Peter, put your sword up,” for He knew this was all a fulfillment of prophecy.

What about Jesus’ view and His feelings toward Judas? What were His feelings when He told Judas, “What you do, do quickly,” after giving him a piece of bread? How did He feel as Judas approached Him, kissed Him and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!? Did Jesus choke on His own words as He said, “Friend, why have you come?” when He already knew the answer? Can we possibly imagine the emotions that must have run deep inside His soul? Even though He had divine knowledge, does that remove the pain of betrayal by a trusted friend?

Have your friends betrayed you in some way? Of course, they have – some intentionally and some quite accidentally. Can you recall the range of emotions that you felt deep inside? Can you rise to a challenge? Can you forgive them? Can you pray for them? Can you truthfully wish them well? But more importantly, have you betrayed Jesus? It probably wasn’t for 30 pieces of silver, but there are any number of ways we can betray our Savior. Have you ever denied Him as Peter did three times? Do you betray Him with your actions of disobedience? “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He is truly worthy of our loyalty, obedience and trust. Our actions should show these things daily!