Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Jesus' Prophecy of Judas' Betrayal Comes True

Thanks Morguefile.com!
Yesterday we talked about how Judas Iscariot arranged to betray Jesus to the Jewish leaders for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus, being the omniscient God, knew all this was happening even outside of his human sight and hearing.

Jesus himself predicted Judas Iscariot's betrayal.

"And while they were eating, [Jesus] said, 'I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.' 
"…Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, 'Surely not I, Rabbi?' 
"Jesus answered, 'Yes, it is you,' " Matthew 26:21, 25 (see also John 13:10b-11, 21).

Even there, in that brief conversation, Judas lied to Jesus' face, saying "Surely not I, Rabbi?" when in fact Judas knew… he knew… what he had already arranged.

It was Jesus who sent Judas out of the presence of the Light of the World (that is Jesus' presence) into darkness to set the whole thing in motion.

"While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.' Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him. 
"Jesus replied, 'Friend, do what you came for.' 
"Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him," (Matthew 26:47-50).

What do you think happened with Judas Iscariot? Why did he betray Jesus?

Certainly Judas rationalized his actions. Surely Judas knew what he was doing was wrong. How many people today, even those in leadership at the highest national levels, are doing what is wrong and rationalizing their actions? True believers in Jesus Christ must always strive to do what is right in God's sight—even when it looks like that's the losing way to go, because that is Satan's lie.

Satan makes it look like doing the right thing will be worse than doing the wrong thing. Satan whispers suggestions that if we do what is right we will lose. This is a lie. (Tweet that!)

Just as Jesus knew what was going on behind the scenes when he walked the earth, he knows everything that is going on today—even in the secret rooms where deals are made that affect the daily lives of ordinary people like us. He knows.

Do not be afraid of what is going on where we cannot see. Do not be afraid of what is going on that is in plain sight! The One True God is in complete control, able to use even evil intents for His glory—just as He did in the day of Jesus' arrest.

When we see prophecies coming true today, prophecies that Jesus spoke of that point to the End Times, we do not need to be afraid. The One True God is still in complete control. (Tweet that!)

I believe we are seeing the End Times approaching. If we are not in them, then we can see them from here. Do you believe this? (Tweet that!)

Still, do not let this frighten you! We live in the most fantastic times! If any time is more fantastic than when Jesus walked the earth, this is it. (Tweet that!)

"Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid," (John 14:27).

2 comments:

  1. We live in a day where it seems that gross darkness is quickly be taking over the earth and society. We must remember that we are strangers in this land passing through. We have alienable rights in the Kingdom of God. The earth is the Lord's and the Fullness thereof! We need not fear. Isaiah 41:10

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  2. Thank you for this, W NY Homes. You're not only right on all points, you've encouraged me because your words reminded me of this Scripture: "But you are not in darkness, brothers [and sisters], for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness," 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 ESV. Read more in context here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A1-11&version=ESV

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