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Glory and a New Command

Betrayal, Jesus and the Unequally Yoked

Fall Bible Study 2024Betrayal….

How do we deal with this, the cruelest, of culprits?

John 13:18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.”

The next section of our Bible study dives deeply into the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. There are a number of issues at hand that reveal heart motives, instruction for life, and lessons in belief. This short section of scripture is vast in its implication.

Read it here (link to NKJV).

Jesus shares with the disciples his future betrayal, why? Verse 19: Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.

Sharing future events lends to greater belief and faith within the disciples. Rember from my book, Spiritual Enforcer, where I cover belief. Our beliefs are at the core of our destructive or successful lives. What we believe matters. (PS. get the book, thank you)

Betrayal is the cruelest of all emotions. The undoing of trust. And in this scenario, Jesus is betrayed to his torture and death by a close friend??? Did Jesus really trust Judas? Hmmmmm, I’m not so certain. However, it’s clear that Jesus gave him the benefit of the doubt, hoping he would change by assigning the money management to Judas.

Side note: Jesus had a lot of money. He wasn’t a poor man. And the gifts He received during his three years of ministry were significant. A LOT of money flowed through the hands of Judas. In fact, Judas betrayed Christ for money (30 pieces of silver). I realize that we, the church, are inclined to view Jesus as a poor missionary. But he wasn’t poor. He wore a garment that cost a year’s wage. There are scholars that believe the home where the last supper was held was owned by Jesus. Jesus was the Master of the house. Luke 22:7-12

Onward… The passage that jumped out at me in this entire story is this:

John 13:18b He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.

This is a reference by Jesus to Psalm 41:9. Fascinating. But what does it mean? My research points to a vicious act, as though kicked by the heel of a horse. Ugh.

My friend, the unequally yoked know this feeling. There isn’t one of us who hasn’t experienced this devastating kick to the chest from a betrayal. So much so, that the pain feels physical like our breath has been knocked from our chest.

This is the precise moment that two things become crucial. We must take that pain to Jesus. And over time, heal, forgive, and then command fear, pain, and betrayal to leave. This process must happen fairly quickly so that the devil does not gain a foothold in our soul.

Not easy.

And not without boundaries or separation from our betrayer, if necessary or appropriate.

What is also fascinating is Jesus calls Judas out…. In front of all the others.

I’m surmising here but Judas likely responds with emotions such as shame, anger, and betrayal.

THUS, satan enters into his soul. John 13:27

Whoa…..

What if this was the moment that Jesus offered redemption specifically to Judas? He offered him a moment to confess and turn from his destructive future????

Okay, these are my thoughts. Bring on your summaries. This passage is deep and wild. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Blessings and hugs, Lynn

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