The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (Matthew 26:47-56)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
3 December 2023
Jesus was betrayed by a kiss.
Betrayal is treacherous. In the army if a soldier betrays his unit he is tried for treason. In life, if a spouse commits adultery it is a betrayal of marital trust.
Jesus' betrayal was predetermined. He alluded to this twice (26:54,56). The Scriptures foretold not only the betrayal of Jesus but also his birth, death and resurrection. Be careful how you treat predetermination lest you be found fighting against the very words of Jesus.
The betrayal was determined in eternity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit determined that Jesus would come into this world, be betrayed and die.
That which was predetermined in heaven is revealed on earth. It is revealed to the holy prophets who wrote the inspired Hebrew scriptures for our benefit.
Jesus willingly fulfilled the scriptures. In his life he progressively understood the time and way prophecies concerning him would be fulfilled. Prophetic fulfilment was painful. The anguish of fulfilment was deepest in Gethsemane.
In the betrayal and arrest of Jesus the Lord used the establishment. The chief priests and elders (the establishment) concurred in the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. God still uses the establishment, whether secular or religious, to achieve his purposes. From his heavenly throne he rules earthly establishments.
The Lord uses antichrist in the church. Judas Iscariot was a son of darkness—an antichrist figure in the church of Christ. But the Lord used even the treachery of man to accomplish his purposes. He did not teach Judas Iscariot to betray. Betrayal came from the heart of Judas. Here we see the merging of divine sovereignty and free human actions. We may not understand it but it is taught in the Bible.
The Lord uses the ignorance and failure of the church. A disciple (identified as Peter in John's gospel) drew his sword and resorted to violence to further the cause of Christ. Jesus rebuked Peter. The ignorance and misplaced enthusiasm of the church would not hinder the gospel cause.
The Lord uses the mob, described here as the multitude, who came to arrest him. They succeeded because Jesus submitted. The mob may be loud but Jesus is Lord. He uses mob violence to further his cause. But he is not the author of mob violence.
The Lord stood alone. His followers forsook him. He alone is the Saviour. His followers were in disarray. The church cannot save you. Christians cannot save you. One man died to satisfy God. One man died to save sinners. That man is Jesus, the Saviour.
Let us be reminded his betrayal was predetermined. It was God's provision of salvation. It was God's way of pardoning sinners. Come to him now. Pray before you leave this place. The Lord will hear your prayer and save you.