The Betrayal of the King

Betrayal

Home Study

A Spiritual Growth Course

Matthew 26:1–75

Purpose: To observe what Jesus and the disciples teach us about how to respond to temptations and trials—and how not to respond.

The plot against Jesus is consummated in chapters 26 and 27. In this study we see Jesus submit to the schemes of religious leaders for the sake of his mission. Help the group to observe the wide variety of actions and emotions: the terrible treachery of Judas and the tender compassion of Mary, the touching intimacy of the last Supper and painful apathy of Gethsemane, the passion of Jesus in the garden and his resigned passiveness at his trial.

On the drizzly day of October 16, 1555, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, two influential English reformers, were tied to the stake and bundles of sticks were piled at their feet. The crowd strained to hear what the two men were saying. Would they recant or would they persist in dying as heretics?

As the executioner pushed a torch into the wood, Latimer said, “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”

Suffering and temptation reveal the quality of our discipleship. No where is this more evident than in Matthew 26 as we move into the climax of the book. Both Jesus and his disciples face a time of severe testing. The way they respond to these tests can be an encouragement and a warning to us.

1. Have you ever been tempted to stop following Christ? Explain.

2. Read Matthew 26:1–35. How do verses 1–16 set the stage for Jesus' betrayal and death?

3. In verses 17–30 Jesus celebrates the Passover with his disciples. How is this occasion both ominous and hopeful?

4. Why do you think Jesus tells his disciples that one of them will betray him, Peter will disown him, and the others will fall away (vv. 21–25, 31–35)?

5. When have you been confronted with the weakness of your commitment to the Lord?

6. Read Matthew 26:36–75. What insights can we discover about Jesus during his time in Gethsemane (vv. 36–45)?

7. Jesus exhorts the disciples to “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (v. 41). What temptations were they about to face?

8. Jesus' betrayal comes at the hand of one of his own disciples (vv. 47–50). As you look over the role of Judas in this chapter, why do you think the religious leaders used him?

9. Twice during his arrest Jesus states that the Scriptures are being fulfilled (vv. 54, 56). What significance would this have for those who heard him: the disciples, the crowd and the religious leaders?

10. Why do you think Jesus remained silent during the first part of his trial (vv. 57–63)?

11. In answer to the high priest's question (v. 63), Jesus declares that he is the Christ (alluding to Ps 110:1 and Dan 7:14). Describe the immediate—and ultimate—impact of Jesus' words on those present (vv. 65–68)?

12. Peter's attempt to be courageous turns to cowardice (vv. 69–75). What role do fear and faith occupy in his denial of the Lord?

13. Both Jesus and the disciples faced temptation in this chapter. How can Jesus' example and the disciples' failures help us to withstand temptation and testing?

The Crucifixion of the King

Matthew 27:1–66

Purpose: To consider the mysterious triumph of the kingdom of heaven through the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross.

This is a grim chapter. Jesus is killed. It appears that evil will triumph. Both the international authorities (the Romans) and the local authorities (the Jewish leaders) participate in Jesus' death. You may discover that there is a sense of letdown as you finish the study. This is to be expected. We all need to look at the terrible reality of the death of Jesus at the hands of humanity. After you finish the study, encourage people to look forward to the last chapter on the resurrection.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. (Ps 22:1–2)

Do you ever feel that God is absent when you need him most? You pray but receive no answer. You cry but no one seems to care.

Matthew 27 records the judgment and execution of Jesus. As Pilate and the religious leaders condemn, mock and crucify God's Son, God himself seems strangely absent. Yet to those who have eyes to see, his presence and power are unmistakable.

1. Recall a time when you felt as though God were absent when you needed him. How did you handle it?

2. Read Matthew 27:1–31. After the religious leaders hand Jesus over to Pilate, Judas feels remorse (vv. 1–5). How is remorse different from repentance?

3. Jesus stands before Pilate in verses 11–26. How and why does Pilate seek to avoid sentencing Jesus?

4. Social pressure affected Pilate's ultimate response to Jesus. In what ways has social pressure affected your relationship to Jesus?

5. The soldiers viciously mock Jesus in verses 27–31. What does their mockery reveal about their knowledge of Jesus?

6. Read Matthew 27:32–66. As Jesus hangs on the cross, he is repeatedly mocked and insulted (vv. 32–44). How do these insults reveal the spiritual choices these people have made?

7. As death begins to engulf him, Jesus cries out to God (vv. 45–46). What does his cry, and the overshadowing darkness, reveal about his relationship to the Father during this torment?

8. As the centurion witnesses the strange events surrounding Jesus' death, he exclaims, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (v. 54). What clues do the unusual events in verses 45–56 provide for understanding this chapter?

9. Observe the role Jesus' followers play during the events of his crucifixion and burial (vv. 55–61). How do you think they felt?

10. Notice the final measures the chief priests and Pharisees take to insure that their victory over Jesus is complete (vv. 62–66). What do you think they were feeling?

11. This chapter is filled with irony. Satan's triumph is actually his defeat. Christ's “defeat” is actually his triumph. How should this challenge our views about the way God works in our lives?

Betrayed!

Mark 14:43–72

Purpose: To explore the variety of motives involved in Jesus' betrayal and abandonment, and to draw warnings and encouragement for times of our own testing as disciples.

The persecution of enemies is one thing, the abandonment of friends another. In this study we find Jesus not only betrayed by one of his disciples but abandoned by all the others and ruefully denied by one of his closest friends. All this added to the cruel and unlawful treatment by the Sanhedrin. This account reveals how intense pressures can test the quality of our discipleship.

1. What does being loyal to a friend mean to you?

2. Read Mark 14:43–72. Several of the main characters in this passage act with mixed motives. What mixed motives may have inspired Judas's words and action of betrayal (vv. 43–45)?

3. How does Jesus respond to his betrayal?

4. The unnamed young man seems symbolic of all Jesus' followers. How does his predicament reflect Jesus' warnings about the cost of discipleship (8:34–38)?

5. What aspects of Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin does Mark emphasize?

6. Up until this point Jesus has regularly disguised his identity, but in verse 62 he openly confesses his identity as the Christ. Why do you think he does this now?

7. On what charge is Jesus finally condemned?

8. How is this charge both justifiable and unjustifiable?

9. How is Jesus, in contrast to his disciples, an example of the kind of discipleship he desires in us (vv. 55–65)?

10. What mix of motives brings Peter into the high priest's courtyard yet keeps him from acknowledging his relationship to Jesus (vv. 66–72)?

11. How are your motives mixed in following Jesus?

12. How is Judas's betrayal of Jesus different from Peter's?

13. In what circumstances are you most tempted to be ashamed of Jesus or to deny him?

14. What warnings and encouragement can you draw from Peter's experience?

Jesus' New Passover

Luke 22:1–46

Purpose: To be able to celebrate the New Passover more meaningfully.

Now we enter deeply into the saddest days of history. With Judas' help the leaders, considered the most enlightened men in their nation, complete their plot to kill the Son of God.

But these days are also the greatest days on earth for Jesus. He is about to complete his life mission, and he confirms to the Twelve that they will carry on that mission. So with them he privately establishes his new Passover to supersede the old Passover.

1. Recall your most moving celebration of the Lord's Supper. What made it so?

2. Read Luke 22:1–6, trying to understand the authorities. What does this passage add to your knowledge of these men?

3. History shows betrayal of a friend or family member is not unique. But what puts Judas' betrayal of Jesus in a class by itself?

4. Read Luke 22:7–23, comparing Jesus' plans with the authorities' plans. As you examine his plans, what impresses you about Jesus himself?

5. Luke has a special appreciation of Jesus' deep feelings that night as he institutes his new Passover. Note the repetition of Jesus' own words about “eating the Passover” (vv. 8, 11, 15–16, 17–18; see also v. 30). What do you think this all means for Jesus at this point?

6. Read Luke 22:24–38 for what else happened during that last evening together. Jesus chides the disciples for their preoccupation with power and prestige. What lesson does he teach about the kind of leaders he wants to carry on his work (vv. 26–27)?

7. Jesus further prepares them for coming tests. The first preparation is for Peter immediately ahead. The second is for all the apostles in the long run. Like him they would have to face official hostility (vv. 36–38). In either testing what should help them to persevere (vv. 28, 29–30, 31, 32, 35)?

8. Why can the Lord Jesus have confidence in these petty, obtuse, self-serving men—and in us who are often like them?

9. Read Luke 22:39–46. What guidelines for praying do you see in each verse, showing Jesus' example?

10. Jesus' institution of his new Passover was interspersed with human weakness and failure. In redeeming his disciples, he used their shortcomings. What weaknesses and failures do you want to acknowledge as you contemplate afresh eating Jesus' new Passover?

The Message of the Cross

Luke 22:47–23:56

Purpose: To enhance our understanding and communication of Jesus' death.

The symbol of the cross is used in many ways—on and in Christian churches, by the Red Cross, on many European flags. It is used as jewelry even by non-Christians. But they would never think of wearing a burnished gold miniature of an electric chair around their necks. In the first century the wooden cross meant capital punishment for criminals.

Jesus died as a criminal to be the substitute for us sinners. Some old hymns have well retained this essential truth of Jesus' cross. Not many contemporary songs about his death do that. Approach this study with prayer for a deeper understanding of the cross of Jesus.

1. What was your first understanding of the Christian cross?

2. Read Luke 22:47–62. In a word or phrase what describes the way Jesus relates to each individual or group during his arrest?

3. Only a few hours after Peter swore loyalty to Jesus, he makes an about-face (vv. 57–60). In what kind of situation are you tempted to avoid identification with Jesus and his cause?

4. After a sleepless night in the hands of calloused guards, Jesus faces a pretrial at daybreak. The Jewish council charges him with the religious transgression of blasphemy. But that is not cause enough to have him executed. So in the Roman trial before Governor Pilate they switch to the political charge of treason. Read Luke 23:3–25. What reasons can you suggest for Jesus' silence or near silence before Pilate and Herod (23:3, 9; see also 22:67)?

5. Three times Pilate says he finds no valid charge against Jesus, and seeks to release him (vv. 4, 13–16 and 22). Why then does he ultimately pronounce the death penalty on Jesus?

6. A mixed crowd accompanies Jesus to his crucifixion outside the city. Recalling the previous night, you can imagine his physical and emotional condition now. Yet he continues to be prophetic and sensitive, especially to the women mourners (vv. 26–31). Read verses 32–56. Luke gives few details of Jesus' physical death. Instead he focuses on people's attitudes. What attitude to the man on the center cross does each group or individual reveal?

7. Luke focuses on one of the criminals, the only person to whom Jesus personally responds. What may be Luke's reason for this focus?

8. Throughout his six hours on the cross, Jesus is in touch with his Father. What do his brief words to the Father reflect about their relationship (vv. 46, 34)?

9. Luke carefully records the physical phenomena occurring at the point of Jesus' dying breath (vv. 44–45). What do they signify and imply practically about that death? (Check your view with Hebrews 10:19–25.)

10. What can we do to make the message of the cross relevant to our needy world—as the church?

as individuals?

The Betrayer & the Boaster

John 13:18–38

Purpose: To teach us to look beyond surface appearance to genuine character when choosing our spiritual heroes.

There are some people we just don't like to be around! They aren't necessarily our enemies. They simply have the uncanny ability to irritate us. If we had been one of Jesus' disciples, we would probably have found it difficult to be around Peter. He was blunt and, at times, arrogant. On the other hand, we might have regarded Judas with trust and respect. The only one who saw deeply enough to discern the true character of these men was Jesus.

1. Has someone in your life ever hurt you deeply? What was your response to him or her?

2. Read John 13:18–30. Jesus takes this opportunity to predict his betrayal. How would his prediction dispel any doubts the disciples might have and strengthen their faith (v. 19)?

3. Evidently, the disciples did not know who would betray Jesus (v. 22). What does this tell us about how Jesus had treated Judas?

4. How would you have treated Judas if you knew he would eventually betray you?

5. How do the disciples interpret Jesus' instruction to Judas in verse 27 (vv. 28–29)?

6. Can we apply Jesus' example to the way we should treat our “betrayers,” or was this a unique situation that really doesn't apply today? Explain.

7. Read John 13:31–38. What was “new” about Jesus' command in verse 34?

8. John later wrote: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 Jn 3:16). In what practical ways can we exhibit this sacrificial love?

9. Why does that kind of love convince all of humanity that we are Jesus' disciples (v. 35)?

10. Do you think Peter's declaration in verse 37 comes from pride or from sincerity? Explain.

11. Three people stand out in this passage—Jesus, Judas and Peter. What one character quality of each—good or evil—impresses you the most?

What can you do to avoid the failures and to follow after the strengths of each of them?

“Jesus, You're under Arrest!”

John 18:1–27

Purpose: To show Jesus' sovereign control and calm confidence in a time of trial, and to give us assurance in our difficulties.

Most of us would hate the thought of being arrested and brought to trial. If we were guilty of a crime, being arrested would be humiliating. But if we were innocent, it would be devastating. Yet in what should have been a demeaning experience for Jesus, we see again his majesty and glory. Jesus uses an experience of attack, betrayal and abandonment to demonstrate his confident trust in the Father. His calm assurance will help us face life's hurts and injustices with the same trust in the same Father.

1. How would you respond if a group of people falsely accused you of a crime and even called the police to have you arrested?

2. Read John 18:1–14. Why would Jesus go to a place where Judas knew he might be found (vv. 1–3)?

3. When the soldiers say they are seeking Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus replies “I am he” (lit. “I am”; v. 5). How would you explain the reaction of the soldiers (v. 6)?

4. If you had been one of Jesus' disciples, what feelings would you have had when the soldiers arrived at the garden?

5. Based on Peter's reaction (v. 10), what were his feelings?

6. What insight do Peter's action and Jesus' rebuke (v. 11) give you about our attempts at times to “help God out” in our own strength and wisdom?

7. Read John 18:15–27. Think back to the deepest sin of your life. How does a look at your own sin change your attitude toward Peter's denial of Jesus?

8. What contrasts do you see between Jesus' and Peter's response to this crisis?