Betrayal By Any Other Name

A Reflection for Saturday, April 12 by Rev. Bronwyn Leigh Murphy

Lectionary reading for 4/12/2025: Psalm 31:9-16; Leviticus 23:1-8; Luke 22:1-13

Selected passage for reflection: Luke 22:1-13

Read

Luke 22:1-13 (NLT)

1Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” 9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” 13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

Reflect 

When my son was born, we unknowingly named him one of the top baby names of that year. I won’t share my son’s name here, but I’ll give a hint that his name is not Judas. In fact, the name Judas has not appeared on any list of top 10 baby names in…probably ever. According to some estimates, currently fewer than 200 males in the United States have been given this first name at birth. The most popular Judas in modern history is decidedly the band Judas Priest, whose name is a whole other can of worms to unpack. The reason why elementary schools and high school football teams and corporate board rooms are not full of Judases? Judas is synonymous with ultimate betrayal. While Peter and John were faithfully preparing the sacred Passover meal, Judas was busy selling Jesus to the Messiah’s adversaries. By this point in the life and ministry of Jesus, He had amassed naysayers and detractors who possessed some significant social and political power. Many had tried to take out Jesus, but had been unsuccessful. Then it became an inside job. No longer was the threat pressing in from the outside, but it was coming from within. Instead of being faithful to Christ, Judas sold his soul for temporary gain. One who had witnessed over and over the miracles and teachings of Jesus and was empowered to carry out the mission of God and impact the world in the name of the Savior…didn’t. In the life and ministry of the disciples, Peter stumbled, but was later redeemed, and John was the “disciple whom Jesus loved”. While the One Who Would be Redeemed and the One Whom Jesus Loved faithfully made preparations for the Passover meal, and the One Who Would Betray Jesus turned from all he knew of the Master to plot His demise. In plotting the Master’s demise, Judas unknowingly plotted his own. Instead of being inducted into the hall of heroes of the faith, 2000 years after his ultimate betrayal, Judas remains the man no one wishes to become. When we are faced with the proposition of temporary gain at the price of betrayal, let us remember why labor and delivery rooms across the nation are largely void of baby Judases. Though there may be some instant satisfaction and personal gain in betrayal, as we have learned from the stories of Peter, John, and Judas, silver loses its luster, but faithfulness to the Master shines bright. 

Respond 

Though you may not be selling out Jesus in the exact same way Judas did, in what ways might you be compromising your convictions for the promise of personal gain? What might you stand to lose? Where do you see evidence of God’s grace in your journey? How might you respond to His grace?

Rest 

God, thank you that you are worthy of following. Thank you that you are Messiah, Savior, and Redeemer. As we are faced with temptation, give us strength to resist. As we are faced with opposition, give us grace and mercy to endure. Thank you that amidst human betrayal and selfishness you remain an unshakable, immovable, and consistent God. Amen.

About the Author 

Bronwyn is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church currently serving as a Chaplain Resident and Preschool Teacher in California, as well as serving churches as a guest preacher and conference speaker. Her favorite beverage is a venti water with ice from Starbucks.