A FRIEND BECOMES A BETRAYER!
by Pastor Lem Niere
“And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him”
John 13:2.
Have you ever felt betrayed by a friend or by someone you dearly loved? How in the world could a person so dear and close be used so viciously by the devil to attack in this way? It’s painful when someone betrays you. It’s even worse when the person is your best friend or someone you’ve known and trusted for years.
Betrayal is something that happens to people since the entrance of sin. It is simply a fact that the devil is a master at distorting and ruining relationships. Don’t forget — Satan was kicked out of heaven because of his unique ability to create confusion, discord, and strife. Heaven, although a perfect environment was sabotaged by someone God trusted. Lucifer’s slanderous allegations against God’s character had a domino effect that affects our relationships to this day!
This same scenario happened to Jesus! After working with Judas Iscariot for three years, the devil found his way into Judas’ soul, turning him so sour against Jesus that this disciple became His betrayer. But we need to ask, What opened the door for this deception to occur inside Judas?
There are many factors that contribute to Judas’s betrayal. Selfish ambition may have been paramount. Judas desired the best for Jesus. After the miracle of feeding the 5,000 people wanted Jesus to be crowned king and Judas was the main instigator. The devil finally established a foothold on Judas based on John 13:2. It was on the occasion that Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus’ head and feet with very expensive spikenard. Apparently, it was when Judas became offended with Jesus about the spikenard. At that moment of disagreement in Judas that the devil took hold of him.
When Satan finally penetrated Judas’ mind and emotions with this seed of betrayal, he injected it so hard and fast that it became deeply embedded or lodged in Judas’ soul. And even in betraying Jesus to the authorities—Judas must have rationalised in his mind that Jesus would save Himself when He will be arrested by the authorities. Judas was so devastated when this didn’t happen. That betrayal led him to hang himself.
It is important that in any of our relationships, we need to recognize those times when the devil tries to inject a seed of division or doubt into our hearts. The devil always seek to drive a wedge between you and the people you love and trust. Learn from the example of Judas Iscariot.
Determine that you will never let any issue get so blown out of proportion that it turns you into a disloyal, lying, betraying friend. And if you are hurting right now because someone hurt you, or you feel betrayed—choose the route of humility and forgiveness. Remember, what you sow is what you reap. If you sow forgiveness, you will reap forgiveness.
Don’t ever allow even the little slights to upset you big time!
Bring every burden or ill-will to the Lord who knows what is best!
