When the text opens, we see that Jesus is in Bethany at the house of Simeon the leper. This was also the house of Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus. So, it appears that it was the family home. They were preparing for the Passover, but Jesus was preparing to die.
They were eating and enjoying fellowship with one another, when a woman with an alabaster box full of expensive perfume entered the scene. In an act of gratitude, honor and worship, she poured the oil on Jesus’ head, and the room went ballistic. The disciples became indignant, saying that she was wasting expensive oil. It’s amazing how someone can spend years mentoring you, and you still don’t want to honor them. Even if He wasn’t Jesus, the fact that He was their mentor and teacher alone, demanded honor and respect from them. This no name woman honored the master more than His own disciples did. But then, they were all about the money. That’s the real reason they got angry. They wanted to sell the perfume, and not give to the poor as they suggested, but they wanted to keep the money for personal gain.
After Jesus disciplined them, after He chastised, and corrected the disciples, Judas slips away to the chief priest. Ain’t that how we do it? Our parents discipline us, and we get angry. Our pastor corrects us, and we want to leave the church. But the Word tells us that a father that doesn’t discipline his son doesn’t love him.
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them or cares enough to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24
Judas left as Jesus was defending the woman and discipline the disciples in the process. Understand this; when you are doing good, defying the odds, defending integrity, walking in holiness and tying to live right, look for Judas. He/she can always be found. Why?
• Judas hates you because you desire to do right.
• He hates you because you take up for the underdog.
• He hates you, because he doesn’t get the spotlight.
• But, he really hates you because your right convicts his wrong.
So, Judas went to the high priest and initiated the betrayal. They entered into covenant with him for 30 pieces of silver and from that moment on, he sought a fitting opportunity to betray Him.
• This lets me know that betrayal is always premeditated. Judas planned it in verse 14, but he didn’t carry it out until verse 47. Now here is where it gets real.
Here is someone you know, it doesn’t matter if it’s someone in the street, you expect street to act crazy. But for someone who has been with you for three years. Walking and talking with you. Sleeping where you sleep, eating when and where you eat. Someone you have poured your wisdom and knowledge into to, now they are the one standing holding the knife of betrayal. I’m talking about a friend. A close friend. What’d you do, when Judas kisses you?