Things Turn Ugly

In the build up to Easter, Rosemary Dawson continues to look at key events in the life of Jesus. This week: Betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:1-5)

Betrayal is an ugly word, whatever the circumstance. When in 2001 footballer Sol Campbell left Tottenham for arch-rivals Arsenal, Spurs fans felt angry and betrayed. To add insult to injury, he had let his contract run down and then left on a free transfer, which meant the club received no money for him. When the two clubs next met, Spurs fans showed their disapproval by holding up a sea of ‘Judas’ posters. Even now, their feeling that they were betrayed goes deep.

The name ‘Judas’ has become synonymous with betrayal ever since Judas Iscariot - a close friend and follower of Jesus - betrayed him to the authorities and brought about his arrest and death by crucifixion.

Judas had travelled with Jesus three years, listened to his teachings and watched him change lives and perform miracles. But then he decided to betray the man he called ‘Master’ - and all for 30 pieces of silver. What made him do it?

Maybe he was trying to force Jesus’ hand. He had hoped that Jesus was God’s long-promised Messiah, who would save Israel from its Roman oppressors by military means - but he had begun to realise that Jesus was a very different kind of Messiah from the one he wanted.

Last week, this series looked at how Judas objected when a woman poured very expensive perfume over Jesus. After that occasion, Judas went straight to the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, offering to arrange a time and place when they could arrest Jesus with no crowds around. When the time came, in a quiet garden, Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss - thus identifying him to the soldiers - and Jesus was arrested. He was then tried by the Roman Governor, sentenced to death and crucified.

Too late, Judas realised the enormity of what he had done, saying: ‘I have sinned … for I have betrayed innocent blood’ (Matthew 27:4 New International Version). He then went away and killed himself.

Jesus was betrayed for just 30 pieces of silver. Everyone has their price. How willing are we to pay the price, in terms of people’s opinions and misunderstanding, not to betray Jesus but to acknowledge him as the Son of God?

UK & Ireland War Cry 5 April 2014