When you mention the word traitor, there are several that are infamous for that role. One of the most popular in America is Benedict Arnold. He was a young man who had a rough childhood, but who worked hard to become a successful merchant until the British imposed taxes almost broke him. He fought back by joining the military and was appointed to run West Point. This was a key military position in the Revolutionary War. Arnold’s greed overcame him, and he offered to sell the plans of the fort for an amount that would equal $3 million today. His plans were intercepted, but his name will always be associated with being a traitor.
As a Christian, my mind goes back much further in history when the word traitor is mentioned. I think of Judas Iscariot, a man who also allowed greed to overcome him. While Arnold would remain synonymous with being a traitor in America, Judas is known as a traitor in the history of the world. Arnold would lose his position and trust of fellow Americans, but Judas would lose his soul.
Judas had been chosen by Jesus. He was one of the 12 who had been with Jesus through 3 years of public ministry. He had seen the miracles and heard the preaching of Jesus about Heaven and Hell. He had been part of it all and was even trusted enough to become the treasurer of the group.
In Luke 22:3 we see that Satan entered Judas. Satan attacks, and Judas yields. In John 13:26-27 Jesus is face to face with Judas. Jesus allows Judas to know that he is aware of what Judas is about to do. Judas has an opportunity to repent, he is face to face with his sin, but he does not repent. By not seeking repentance and forgiveness for his sin, Judas allowed Satan to enter and take up residence in his heart.
Luke 22:1-6 “Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.”
Judas was a traitor. His greed replaced any love he had for Christ. There is no middle ground in our walk with Christ. Judas had the perfect opportunity to fall at Jesus’ feet and abandon his past and the plans he made to sell out Jesus, but he didn’t. God always gives us an opportunity to chose Him, but it is still our choice. God’s desire is that all would be saved, His desire is that all would follow and remain faithful until the end. However, we are not robots. God wants us to choose Him, to love Him enough to turn our backs on sin. If we do not turn our backs on anything that is not pleasing to Christ, little by little we will get comfortable with our sin, and soon we will be going through the motions of being a Christian until we are far from the presence of God.
How could Judas betray Christ to the magnitude that cost Jesus His life? I don’t know, but I do know if we are not careful, we can place many things above Christ, which is betrayal. To betray someone is the same thing as a traitor. We break the heart of God every time we sin. We will never live as a sinless person. If we could, there would be no need for the sacrifice of Jesus blood to cover our sins. Yet, we can sin less as we grow in our love and commitment to Him. Take some time during this week before we celebrate Easter and reflect on your commitment to Jesus.
