Sovereign Despite Betrayal

GETTING STARTED

We lean on people to support us, encourage us, and walk with us through good times and bad. What happens when people we spend precious time with betray our trust? While we all betray Jesus on some level, Luke’s account of Judas’ actions show us the level of intimate betrayal our Lord experienced during his ministry.   

  • Can you recount a time when you were betrayed by someone you cared for deeply?

READ THE WORD: LUKE 22:21-23 (ESV)

21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What did Jesus mean when he stated, “the Son of Man goes as it has been determined”?
  2. How does verse 22 encapsulate both the sovereignty of God and also the accountability of man?
  3. How do you imagine the disciples questioned one another about the betrayal? Would it have been a time of confusion? Self-reflection? Accusation?
  4. Judas’ sin didn’t hinder God’s plan and justice would be served. How does this give you confidence in God character?

RESPOND TO GOD

While Judas betrayed Jesus, it did not change the course of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Despite human ambivalence and deception, God’s words and ways won’t be thwarted. We can easily see ourselves as the other disciples, pondering whether we are capable of carrying out such betrayal. This portion of Scripture allows us to be humbled by what Christ endured not just on the cross but before his death as well. It creates space for us to reflect on our hearts toward Christ, to separate out what we desire and what God desires for us. 

  • Praise and thank God that sin and brokenness cannot obstruct his perfect ways.