What Jesus Did! 'Betrayal' — Luke 22:47-48

Monday, December 11, 2023

But even as Jesus [told the disciples to pray to avoid temptation], a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"
— Luke 22:47-48 NLT

Key Thought

The phrase that hurts me most for Jesus in this passage is "one of the twelve disciples." Jesus was betrayed by one of his own. Not only that, he was betrayed by an act of loving greeting. Everything about this event is hurtful and horrifying. How can someone with whom you've shared your most intimate moments and deepest truths give you up to those who hate you? Unfortunately, it happens all too frequently. However, when we go through such trials, we can be assured that Jesus knows our pain and lovingly draws alongside us to comfort us. He has been there. He suffered excruciating pain set up by the betrayal of one of his closest friends. So in our hurt, let us draw near to him and know that he is there to help us make it through our hours of deepest darkness and despair.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for being so close and personal. Thank you for not being far off and detached. Thank you for experiencing our earthly pain when Jesus was one of us. I now draw near to receive your grace and help in my time of need. In the name of Jesus, my faithful friend, Lord, and Savior, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spurgeon AM Devo for Mar. 25th
Devo: Morning & Evening
""The kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Let me be on my guard when the world puts on a loving face, for it will, if possible, betray me as it did my....."
When the Power of Darkness Reigns
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed,..."
I AM!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, As we approach My crucifixion, I want you to think about the events of that ugly night that preceded My trip to Golgotha and My death....."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 22:47-48 NLT — "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 11, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Matthew 26:39
"There are several instructive features in our Saviour's prayer in his hour of trial. It was lonely prayer. He withdrew even from his three favoured..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Call Us all to Be Fishers of Men'
"Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Power and Importance of Delegation'
"[The Twelve said,] "And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Ephesians 6:10-11
"Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!