DCLM Higher Everyday 10 September 2023 — Build-Up To Jesus’ Betrayal
DCLM Higher Everyday 10 September 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Build-Up To Jesus’ Betrayal
Topic: Build-Up To Jesus’ Betrayal
Text: Matthew 26:14-16
14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Key Verse: “And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him” (Matthew 26:16).
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.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
