The Treachery of Betrayal

Today’s Scripture Threshing for Sunday, June 2, 2019

Today’s Text: Luke 22:3-6, 47-53

Key Verse: Luke 22:48 (ESV): “But Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

In the culture of first-century Israel, when Judas betrayed his Lord, a kiss on the cheek was not usually a romantic expression of love; rather, it was a common form of greeting that shows deep respect, honor, and brotherly love. Unfortunately, we have countless of Judas at heart, today, who disguise kisses of betrayal with brotherly love. Like Judas, they speak and act in extreme hypocrisy. By their kiss, they say “I respect and honor you;” by their words, they say “I love you” but they leave the venom of death behind.

No treachery is worse than betrayal by family or friend. Julius Caesar, the Roman leader too was betrayed and assassinated by Marcus Junius Brutus, a friend that he trusted and favored as a son. Historians have it that Caesar first resisted the assassination onslaught until he saw Brutus among them with his drawn dagger; he, Caesar, ceased to struggle and, pulling the top part of his robe over his face, asked Brutus the famous question, “You too, Brutus?” For our Lord, to Judas, the question is: “would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” Now to us, these questions come together today—“You too, brother or sister... would you betray your Lord, your friend, your brother or sister, with a kiss?”

Quote for the Day: “A hateful kiss of a friend kills faster than the drawn daggers of sworn enemies.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you for your love for me. I ask for the spirit of genuine love for you and for all men—love that is true, and would not betray—in Jesus your most precious name I pray. Amen.

With all my love and prayer,

Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),

2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,

Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA

Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org

BBMme: E3F988D2

[Today’s Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]

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