This past week we looked at Jesus the Lamb of God, and how He fulfilled the Passover requirements seen in the story of the (Exodus). I also shared with you about how even though the plan of God does not take the path that we expected it to, we can trust that He is in the details.

Today, we are going to look at the betrayal of Jesus.

What is amazing about this moment between Judas and the Chief Priest is that it was prophesied in Zechariah 11:12: “Then I said to them, 'If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.”

This passage of scripture reveals once again that kingdom life does not function like we think it would from a natural perspective.

Jesus, as He began His earthly ministry, called disciples to Himself. This call to discipleship was up close and personal. Everywhere they went, it was together. The meals were eaten together. They had direct access to Jesus. They served with Him, heard the fullness of His teachings, and participated in the miracles, signs, and wonders.

From that group of disciples, twelve were selected to become Apostles, special messengers of Christ who would go out to preach the gospel of the kingdom. These twelve would receive power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons.

The most intriguing reality of this selection is that Jesus chooses Judas Iscariot and promotes him. Judas was named an Apostle, he was in charge of the money box, and he was with Jesus as they celebrated the Passover. Jesus even washed his feet as an act of humility and service.

All the while knowing that Judas would betray Him. I want you to see something from this moment. Jesus is not a robot in this story.

This demonstration from the Lord seems so counterintuitive to the natural mind. He knew Judas would betray, and He still invested, still served, still followed through with the purpose and plan of God for His life. Did it weigh down His heart? Yes, He was troubled in spirit.

But He still chose the path God had placed before Him.

Something powerful about this moment in scripture is that Jesus is modeling the words that He taught. Immediately after He appoints the twelve apostles, He shares the beatitudes and then the rules of kingdom life.

What can we learn from His example?
Christ’s own response to betrayal models this teaching. When Judas arrives to betray him, Jesus addresses him as “Friend” (Matt 26:47–50), maintaining dignity and relationship even in the moment of violation. Most strikingly, while being crucified, Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Christ’s teaching on betrayal centers on a radical reorientation of how we respond to violation. Rather than defending ourselves or seeking retribution, Jesus instructs us to “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27–36)

Underlying this approach is a fundamental principle: do not repay evil for evil, but refuse to avenge yourself—instead, respond to your enemy’s hunger and thirst with care, overcoming evil with good. (Rom 12:17–21)
This isn’t passive acceptance of harm; it’s an active choice to break the cycle of retaliation.

The scope of forgiveness is staggering. When Peter asks how many times to forgive, Jesus responds “not up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matt 18:21–22), signaling that forgiveness operates without numerical limits.

This is why I said earlier that kingdom life does not function like we think it would from a natural perspective.

This is more than a coincidence. It is a powerful declaration from heaven of what God intended to do to bring redemption to humanity.

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He alone is the one who provides a way out of bondage. He is the one who brings divine deliverance to our lives and establishes a relationship with us to take us from slavery to freedom.

The key question of this message is found in our personal decision. Will we choose to recognize our need, and through faith in Christ, apply the blood to our hearts?