Build-Up To Jesus’ Betrayal
Sunday, September 10, 2023Key Verse
“And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him” (Matthew 26:16).
Text — Matthew 26:14-16
Message
“An enemy cannot betray you, as you already expect your enemy to try to bring you down. Only a trusted ‘friend,’ acquaintance or family member can betray you, and that is what truly makes betrayal so hurtful and sad,” wrote Bohdi Sanders. Judas Iscariot, one of the Apostles, was indeed a trusted friend and acquaintance of Christ but his penchant for wealth made him disloyal to his Lord. He betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane by kissing him while addressing him as Master, even though he led the mob that arrested him. His love for quick riches made him a soft target of the devil. Despite the clear warnings by the Saviour about the betrayal plot and its consequences, he allowed the devil to enter into him. He went ahead and covenanted with the enemies of the Lord to sell Him for thirty (30) pieces of silver. His sin was premeditated and truly heinous.
Judas did not enjoy the proceeds of his mischievous act. He reaped what he sowed. For what are you betraying the Lord or your friend?
Quote
His sin was premeditated
Challenge
Flee the love of money – the root of all evil.
Prayer for today
Lord, deliver me from any tendency to betray you.
About Author - Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
