The Betrayal (4 of 7)
Series: The Passion of Christ
Bob Ingle
Mark 14:43-52
What comes to your mind when you hear the name Benedict Arnold? Nothing good, I'm sure.
Did you know at one time Benedict Arnold was a five-star general in the American Army, and was such a committed soldier among American troops that he was known for his patriotic zeal? His name and reputation carried a lot of clout because he was a personal friend of another revered soldier by the name of George Washington.
But during the Revolutionary War something happened that changed him. Benedict Arnold saw five of his subordinates promoted over him. That was a major blow to his ego, and it proved to be more than he could take. Bitterness and animosity gripped in his soul and he decided to get his revenge by devising a treasonous plan to surrender West Point to the British. Today, instead of being remembered as a national hero, the name Benedict Arnold is synonymous with 'traitor'.
There have been a lot of famous betrayals in history, but you would be hard pressed to find one more brutal, more heartless, or more devious than the one we find in Mark 14. Like Benedict Arnold, Judas once had a tremendous reputation and resume. Jesus personally chose Judas to be His disciple and follow Him everywhere for three years. Apparently, his money skills and integrity were so respected by his peers that he was made treasurer among the twelve disciples. Even at the last supper, who was seated right next to Jesus in the place of highest honor? None other than Judas. When Jesus uttered the accusation 'one of you will betray me', not one of the other disciples looked at Judas and said, ''I knew it! It's Judas, isn't it? Look at those curled lips and sinister eyes. He even looks like a creepy weasel.'' Nope. They didn't suspect him in the least. All they could ask was, 'Is it I, Lord?'
The name 'Judas' literally means 'a life of praise'. When Judas' mom and dad held their newborn son in their ar ...
Series: The Passion of Christ
Bob Ingle
Mark 14:43-52
What comes to your mind when you hear the name Benedict Arnold? Nothing good, I'm sure.
Did you know at one time Benedict Arnold was a five-star general in the American Army, and was such a committed soldier among American troops that he was known for his patriotic zeal? His name and reputation carried a lot of clout because he was a personal friend of another revered soldier by the name of George Washington.
But during the Revolutionary War something happened that changed him. Benedict Arnold saw five of his subordinates promoted over him. That was a major blow to his ego, and it proved to be more than he could take. Bitterness and animosity gripped in his soul and he decided to get his revenge by devising a treasonous plan to surrender West Point to the British. Today, instead of being remembered as a national hero, the name Benedict Arnold is synonymous with 'traitor'.
There have been a lot of famous betrayals in history, but you would be hard pressed to find one more brutal, more heartless, or more devious than the one we find in Mark 14. Like Benedict Arnold, Judas once had a tremendous reputation and resume. Jesus personally chose Judas to be His disciple and follow Him everywhere for three years. Apparently, his money skills and integrity were so respected by his peers that he was made treasurer among the twelve disciples. Even at the last supper, who was seated right next to Jesus in the place of highest honor? None other than Judas. When Jesus uttered the accusation 'one of you will betray me', not one of the other disciples looked at Judas and said, ''I knew it! It's Judas, isn't it? Look at those curled lips and sinister eyes. He even looks like a creepy weasel.'' Nope. They didn't suspect him in the least. All they could ask was, 'Is it I, Lord?'
The name 'Judas' literally means 'a life of praise'. When Judas' mom and dad held their newborn son in their ar ...
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