In the Bible, treason is often associated with betrayal and rebellion against authority, particularly against God’s commandments or anointed leaders. It is depicted as a grave sin that leads to severe consequences, exemplified in stories such as David’s betrayal by Absalom (2 Samuel 15).
Scripture
1 After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,”
3 And Absalom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you.”
4 Then Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.”
5 And when anyone came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 And at the end of four years Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the Lord, in Hebron.
8 For your servant vowed a vow while I lived at Geshur in Aram, saying, ‘If the Lord will indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will offer worship to the Lord.’”
9 And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron.
10 But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’”
11 With Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem who were invited guests, and they went in their innocence and knew nothing.
12 And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.
Treason in the Bible: Definition and Context
In the Bible, the concept of treason extends beyond mere political betrayal; it embodies a profound spiritual disloyalty and rebellion against God’s ordained order. This is reflected in narratives where acts of treachery lead to dire consequences not only for the traitor but also for those around them. The case of Absalom’s rebellion against King David illustrates this poignantly. Absalom, once a beloved son, turned treacherous, seeking to overthrow his father’s rule and to gain the crown for himself. This act of betrayal not only caused immense pain to David but also led to widespread conflict and bloodshed within Israel (2 Samuel 15:10-14). The underlying message resonates through the reminder in Proverbs 17:13: “Evil will never depart from the house of one who pays back evil for good.” Such passages underscore that treason, whether against a king or divine authority, invites chaos and destruction, disrupting the divine order established by God.
Moreover, treason in the biblical sense parallels the ultimate betrayal of Christ, as exemplified by Judas Iscariot’s actions. Jesus, the anointed one, was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, leading to His crucifixion (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of treachery highlights the severity of turning one’s back on divine trust and the sacrificial love extended to humanity. The New Testament speaks of the spiritual repercussions of such betrayal, as 2 Peter 2:20-22 warns that those who have turned away from righteousness and returned to their sinful ways are worse off than before. Therefore, treason in the biblical context serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of loyalty to both God and God’s appointed leaders, signifying that betrayal can break not just earthly bonds but also our relationship with the divine.
The theme of treason in the Bible often highlights the gravity of forsaking trust and loyalty, particularly in the context of God’s covenant with His people. Instances of betrayal illustrate how such acts violate not only human relationships but also spiritual commitments. The Old Testament reflects this concept in the story of King Saul, who, consumed by jealousy and fear of David’s rising popularity, engaged in treacherous actions against his once loyal servant. His need to eliminate a perceived threat resulted in a catastrophic decline that ultimately led to the failure of his lineage and the loss of divine favor. This narrative reinforces the biblical principle that betrayal against God’s chosen authority can escalate into a cycle of destruction and despair, emphasizing the high cost of such disloyalty.
In addition to individual betrayals, the Bible frequently addresses the corporate nature of treason against God. The Israelites often found themselves in breach of their covenant with Yahweh, straying into idolatry and disbelief. Such collective treachery prompted divine warnings and eventual judgments, as witnessed through the prophetic voices calling for repentance. The account of Judah’s exile serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of corporate betrayal against God, where the entirety of the nation faced the repercussions of their spiritual infidelity. Throughout the scriptures, treason is not only seen as a breach of human contracts but also as a degradation of one’s relationship with God, charging believers to uphold fidelity not only in their earthly commitments but also in their spiritual duties.
Betrayal of Trust
In the biblical context, treason often signifies a profound betrayal of trust, particularly in relationships that are meant to be sacred or loyal. This can be seen in the dynamics between leaders and their followers, as well as among friends and family. When an individual commits treason, they not only break a covenant or agreement but also shatter the bonds of loyalty that are foundational to community and faith. This act of betrayal can lead to significant consequences, both for the individual who commits treason and for those who are affected by it.
Spiritual Rebellion
Treason in the Bible can also be understood as a form of spiritual rebellion against God. This encompasses actions that defy divine authority and the moral laws set forth in scripture. Such rebellion is not limited to overt acts of disobedience but can also include the internal attitudes of the heart that reject God’s sovereignty. This spiritual treason reflects a deeper disconnection from faith and can lead to a life that is estranged from God’s will and purpose.
Consequences of Treason
The Bible illustrates that treason carries serious consequences, both in earthly terms and in the spiritual realm. The act of betrayal can lead to division, conflict, and destruction within communities and relationships. Furthermore, from a spiritual perspective, treason against God can result in judgment and separation from divine grace. The narratives in scripture often serve as warnings about the repercussions of treachery, emphasizing the importance of fidelity and integrity in both human and divine relationships.
How to Embrace Faith in the Face of Betrayal
Embracing faith in the face of betrayal can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s also a profound opportunity for growth and deeper connection with God. When someone we trust lets us down, it’s natural to feel hurt and disillusioned, but remember that even Jesus experienced betrayal from those closest to Him. In those moments of pain, lean into prayer and scripture; let the words of Psalm 55:22 remind you to cast your burdens on the Lord, for He will sustain you. Surround yourself with a supportive community that can uplift you and help you process your feelings. Allow yourself to grieve, but also seek to forgive, as forgiveness is a powerful act of faith that frees us from the chains of resentment. Trust that God can bring beauty from ashes, and use this experience to deepen your reliance on Him, knowing that His love and faithfulness will never betray you.
Bible References to the Meaning of Treason:
1 Kings 1:5-10: 5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?”
7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him.
8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David’s mighty men were not with Adonijah.
9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent’s Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah.
10 But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother.
2 Kings 9:14-29: 14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram with all Israel had been on guard at Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Syria,
15 but King Joram had returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. So Jehu said, “If this is your decision, then let no one slip out of the city to go and tell the news in Jezreel.”
16 So Jehu mounted his chariot and went to Jezreel, for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah had come down to visit Joram.
17 Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, “I see a company.” And Joram said, “Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, ‘Is it peace?’”
18 So the horseman went to meet him and said, “Thus says the king, ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu said, “What do you have to do with peace? Go behind me.”
19 Then he sent out a second horseman, who came to them and said, “Thus the king has said, ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu answered, “What do you have to do with peace? Go behind me.”
20 And the watchman told, saying, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”
21 Joram said, “Make ready.” And they made ready his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his chariot, and went to meet Jehu, and met him at the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.
22 And when Joram saw Jehu, he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” He answered, “What peace can there be, so long as the whorings and the sorceries of your mother Jezebel are so many?”
23 And Joram turned his hands and fled, and said to Ahaziah, “Treachery, O Ahaziah!”
24 And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and shot Joram between the shoulders, so that the arrow pierced his heart, and he sank in his chariot.
25 Jehu said to Bidkar his aide, “Take him up and throw him on the plot of ground belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. For remember, when you and I rode side by side behind Ahab his father, how the Lord made this pronouncement against him:
26 ‘As surely as I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons—declares the Lord—I will repay you on this plot of ground,’ declares the Lord. So now take him up and throw him on the plot of ground, in accordance with the word of the Lord.”
27 When Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled in the direction of Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him and said, “Shoot him also.” And they shot him in the chariot at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo and died there.
28 So his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and they buried him in his tomb with his fathers in the city of David.
29 In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, Ahaziah began to reign over Judah.
2 Kings 11:1-20: 1 Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal family.
2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were about to be put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not put to death.
3 And he remained with her six years, hidden in the house of the Lord, while Athaliah reigned over the land.
4 But in the seventh year Jehoiada sent and brought the captains of the Carites and of the guards, and had them come to him in the house of the Lord. And he made a covenant with them and put them under oath in the house of the Lord, and he showed them the king’s son.
5 And he commanded them, “This is the thing that you shall do: one third of you, those who come off duty on the Sabbath and guard the king’s house
6 And a third of you shall come in through the gate of Sur, a third through the gate of the guard, and a third through the gate behind the guards. So you shall guard the palace.
7 And the two divisions of you, which come on duty in force on the Sabbath and guard the house of the Lord,
8 And you shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever approaches the ranks is to be put to death. Be with the king when he goes out and when he comes in.”
9 And the captains over hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded, and they each brought his men who were to go off duty on the Sabbath, with those who were to come on duty on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.
10 And the priest gave to the captains the spears and shields that had been King David’s, which were in the house of the Lord.
11 Then the guards stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the south side of the house to the north side of the house, around the altar and the house on behalf of the king.
12 Then he brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!”
13 And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she went into the house of the Lord to the people.
14 And when she looked, there was the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets. And Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, “Treason! Treason!”
15 And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains who were set over the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to death with the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest said, “Let her not be put to death in the house of the Lord.”
16 And they laid hands on her; she went through the horses’ entrance to the king’s house, and there she was put to death.
17 And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people, that they should be the Lord’s people, and also between the king and the people.
18 Then all the people of the land went to the house of Baal and tore it down. His altars and his images they broke in pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
19 And he took the captains, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the Lord, marching through the gate of the guards to the king’s house. And he took his seat on the throne of the kings.
20 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword at the king’s house.
2 Chronicles 13:1-20: 13 In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah began to reign over Judah.
13 He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
3 Abijah went out to battle, having an army of valiant men of war, 400,000 chosen men. Jeroboam drew up his line of battle against him with 800,000 chosen mighty warriors.
4 Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, that is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, “Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel!
5 Ought you not to know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingship over Israel forever to David and his sons by a covenant of salt?
6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon the son of David, rose up and rebelled against his lord,
7 And certain worthless scoundrels gathered about him and defied Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and irresolute and could not withstand them.
8 “And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David, because you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods.”
9 Have you not driven out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made priests for yourselves like the peoples of other lands? Whoever comes for ordination with a young bull or seven rams becomes a priest of what are not gods.
10 But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests ministering to the Lord who are sons of Aaron, and Levites for their service.
11 They offer to the Lord every morning and every evening burnt offerings and incense of sweet spices, set out the showbread on the table of pure gold, and care for the golden lampstand that its lamps may burn every evening. For we keep the charge of the Lord our God, but you have forsaken him.
12 Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed.”
13 But Jeroboam had sent an ambush around to come upon them from behind, so his troops were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them.
14 And when Judah looked, behold, the battle was in front of and behind them. And they cried to the Lord, and the priests blew the trumpets.
15 So the men of Judah shouted, and as the men of Judah shouted, God defeated Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
16 The men of Judah raised the battle shout. And when the men of Judah shouted, God defeated Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
17 Abijah and his people struck them with great force, so there fell slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.
18 Thus the men of Israel were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers.
19 And Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took cities from him, Bethel with its villages and Jeshanah with its villages.
20 So Jeroboam did not recover his power in the days of Abijah. And the Lord struck him down, and he died.
2 Chronicles 21:4-7: 4 Now when Jehoram had ascended the throne of his father and was established, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel.
5 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
6 He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
7 Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and since he had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever.
2 Chronicles 23:1-21: 1 But in the seventh year Jehoiada took courage and entered into a covenant with the commanders of hundreds: Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri.
2 And they went about through Judah and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers’ houses of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.
3 And all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And Jehoiada said to them, “Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the Lord spoke concerning the sons of David.
4 This is the thing that you shall do: of you priests and Levites who come off duty on the Sabbath, one third shall be gatekeepers,
5 And they should surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever approaches the ranks is to be put to death. Be with the king when he goes out and when he comes in.”
6 But let no one enter the house of the Lord except the priests and ministering Levites. They may enter, for they are holy, but all the people shall keep the charge of the Lord.
7 And the Levites shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever enters the house shall be put to death. Be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out.”
8 The Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded, and they each brought his men, who were to go off duty on the Sabbath, with those who were to come on duty on the Sabbath, for Jehoiada the priest did not dismiss the divisions.
9 And Jehoiada the priest gave to the captains the spears and the large and small shields that had been King David’s, which were in the house of God.
10 And he set all the people, every man with his weapon in his hand, from the south side of the house to the north side of the house, around the altar and the house on behalf of the king.
11 Then they brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!”
12 When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she went into the house of the Lord to the people.
13 And when she looked, there was the king standing by his pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets, and the singers with their musical instruments leading in the celebration. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, “Treason! Treason!”
14 Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains who were set over the army, saying to them, “Bring her out between the ranks, and anyone who follows her is to be put to death with the sword.” For the priest said, “Do not put her to death in the house of the Lord.”
15 So they laid hands on her, and she went into the entrance of the horse gate of the king’s house, and they put her to death there.
16 And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people.
17 Then all the people went to the house of Baal and tore it down. They broke his altars and his images in pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
18 And Jehoiada posted watchmen for the house of the Lord under the direction of the Levitical priests and the Levites whom David had organized to be in charge of the house of the Lord, to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, according to the order of David.
19 And he stationed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the Lord so that no one should enter who was in any way unclean.
20 And he took the captains, the nobles, the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the Lord, marching through the upper gate to the king’s house. And they set the king on the royal throne.
21 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword.
Esther 2:21-23: 21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.
22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.
23 When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
Jeremiah 11:9-14: 9 And the Lord said to me, “A conspiracy has been found among the men of Judah and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
10 They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. And they have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant that I made with their fathers.
11 Therefore, thus says the Lord, Behold, I am bringing disaster upon them that they cannot escape. Though they cry to me, I will not listen to them.
12 Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry to the gods to whom they make offerings, but they cannot save them in the time of their trouble.
13 For your gods have become as many as your cities, O Judah, and as many as the streets of Jerusalem are the altars you have set up to shame, altars to make offerings to Baal.
14 “Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble.”
Ezekiel 17:11-21: 11 Then the word of the Lord came to me:
12 Say now to the rebellious house, Do you not know what these things mean? Tell them, behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and took her king and her princes and brought them to him in Babylon.
13 And he took one of the royal offspring and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath (the chief men of the land he had taken away),
14 that the kingdom might be humble and not lift itself up, and keep his covenant that it might stand.
15 But he rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, that they might give him horses and a large army. Will he thrive? Can one escape who does such things? Can he break the covenant and yet escape?
16 As I live, declares the Lord God, surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant with him he broke, in Babylon he shall die.
17 And Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company will not help him in war, when mounds are cast up and siege walls built to cut off many lives.
18 He despised the oath in breaking the covenant, and behold, he gave his hand and did all these things; he shall not escape.
19 Therefore thus says the Lord God: As I live, surely my oath that he despised, and my covenant that he broke, I will return it upon his head.
20 I will spread my net over him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon and enter into judgment with him there for the treachery he has committed against me.
21 And all his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind, and you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken.”
Matthew 26:14-16: 14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.
16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
Matthew 26:47-56: 47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.”
49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him.
50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.
51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?
54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”
55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.
56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
Mark 14:10-11: 10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.
11 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.
Mark 14:43-50: 43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.”
45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him.
46 And they laid hands on him and seized him.
47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?
49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.
50 And they all left him and fled.
Luke 22:1-6: 1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover.
2 and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.
4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.
5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.
6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
Luke 22:47-53: 47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him.
48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”
50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
John 13:21-30: 21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.
23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side,
24 So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking.
25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him.
29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
John 18:1-11: 1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.
3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?”
5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”
9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”
10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
Acts 1:15-20: 15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,
16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.
17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.
18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.
20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, ‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and ‘Let another take his office.’”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.