Betrayal Part 1 | Matthew 26:47-56

Scripture

• Matthew 26:47–56

About this sermon

Introduction: GOD’S GLORY IS NEVER DIMINISHED BY THE DARKNESS OF MAN’S SINS. In fact, it is often the darkest times when the omnipotence of God is ESPECIALLY on display. THE BIBLE IS THE RECORD OF THE TRUTH THAT NOTHING DEFEATS GOD’S DECREES. There are few things darker than betrayal. There are few things darker than evil people conspiring together to do harm to someone good. Even among sinners, betrayal and evil conspiracy are acknowledged to be worthless acts. But how much more when the one who is betrayed and conspired against is the Son of God? How much more when He is perfectly good? These are two things emphasized in Matthew’s account of the betrayal of Jesus — (1) the OUTRAGEOUS NATURE of what is taking place. And yet, despite outrageous wrong, (2) the MAJESTY AND GLORY OF CHRIST IS ON DISPLAY. What has been planned by Judas is now executed by Judas. He was seeking an opportunity to turn Jesus over to the wicked Jewish religious leaders, and now he found his opportunity — the hour of darkness has come. ESV Luke 22:53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." And as we begin to look at Judas’ act of betrayal, we see the glory of Jesus. I. THE BETRAYAL (vs.47-50) Matthew emphasizes that Judas arrived even as Jesus was speaking. The outrageous nature of the betrayal is heard in Matthew’s words, “Judas, one of the twelve.” But the glory of Christ is also on display. This is the fulfillment of what Jesus said would happen, “ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME” (vs.21). Jesus is not turned over for arrest and crucifixion by someone OUTSIDE the camp of His friends. Rather, one of those who had been granted the greatest privilege in the history of the world. How many people would love to be close to FAMOUS MEN? How many people in Christ’s own day, boasted about the Rabbi whose name their training was associated with? When Paul was arrested at the temple in Jerusalem, and people were seeking to kill him, his defense demonstrates how important privileged tutelage was in the eyes of the Jews. Paul knew that his training under Gamaliel would matter to them. ESV Acts 22:1 "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you." 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: 3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. Well, the TWELVE HAD THE MOST PRIVILEGED TRAINING. No group of men has ever been trained by anyone greater. No group of men has ever been more perfectly loved and cared for by their teacher. And yet, here was one OF THEIR OWN, arriving to destroy Jesus. IT IS DESPICABLE. HE COMES WITH A LARGE CROWD. The crowd itself represents something despicable. A. AN OUTRAGEOUS ALLIANCE (vs.47) This is another part of the outrageous nature of this scene. JUDAS ARRIVES WITH A LARGE SHOW OF FORCE. THE CROWD THAT HAS COME TO ARREST HIM REMINDS US THAT SINFUL HATRED MAKES FOR STRANGE FRIENDSHIPS Looking at all the evidence from the gospel accounts, it seems that this large crowd included: TEMPLE POLICE AND THE JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS THEMSELVES — Luke 22:52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? ROMAN SOLDIERS — John 18:3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. “band of soldiers” translates σπεῖραν , which is the word for “cohort.” It is doubtful that this was a complete cohort (600 soldiers), more likely a dispatch from a cohort. But the point is, that is a Roman military description. JUDAS — ONE OF THE TWELVE. Judas arranged this, but he is arranging this in conjunction with the chief priests and elders of the people. So here you have this strange three strand cord. THE JEWS, JOINED BY ROMAN MILITARY, WITH ONE OF CHRIST’S OWN MEN LEADING THEM THERE. What does this say? It speaks to the attitudes and motivations that exist in lost humanity. The Jews and Romans don’t like each other. The Jewish leaders have no use for Jesus and ONE OF HIS COMPANY, but sinners WILL USE EACH OTHER, for their own ends. WHAT ARE THEIR MOTIVATIONS?