THAT THOU DOEST DO QUICKLY

 

157 PATTIES PLACE

 

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him [Judas], That thou doest, do quickly.  (John 13:27)

 

What is betrayal?

 

Betrayal is not disagreement, desertion,  nor even a knock down, drag out fight between two parties. It is not criticism nor even the forsaking of one's friend, family, church, or country. Betrayal is, "To deliver into the hands of an enemy  by treachery or fraud, violating trust." Judas was trusted enough to be the treasurer, for he "had the bag, and bare what was put therein.  ‑‑John 12:6.

 

Who is usually betrayed?

 

It might be a pastor, a friend, a wife, a husband, a subordinate, or even  a superior. It is always someone made vulnerable by the trust they place in someone else.  More than often, the betrayed are someone, who has done a great deal for the betrayer, who is greatly indebted to him. Abraham Lincoln, after being undermined by an officer under him, related that he  didn't know why the man had done it, for Lincoln had never done him any favors. Jesus had been gracious to Judas.

 

When does it happen?

 

And he sought how he might conveniently betray him. (Mark 14:11)

Usually at your weakest moment. You get kicked, when you are down. The traitor must be assured that it is going to work before he risks it. He must also be assured that  he is on the winning side, so your enemies must be in a position of strength and in good shape. Judas knew the high priests were in  a good position and that Jesus' position was deteriorating.

 

Who Usually Betrays

 

Then saith  Judas . . . which should betray him, Why  was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief . . . (John 12:4

It is usually always a character problem, one who trades loyalty for gain. Rarely is it someone, who is not trying to grow up to be somebody.  Judas did what he did because he was a thief. A thief does not always steal money.

Sometimes he steals hearts and affections,  as did Absalom. Sometimes he steals a position. He steals, however, because he is covetous. He is out for number one. Some desire wealth, some popularity. Some desire power, others applause or approval. In Judas' case, he was along for the ride.

Who wouldn't want to be on the ground floor of the kingdom? Nevertheless, when he grasped this idea of suffering and denial and when the going became rough, he was disappointed. After all, a guy has to take care of himself and his family.

We aren't having revival any more.  Nobody is getting saved. We have so many problems. It must be Pastor Jesus' fault. He is not being consistent with his earlier "kingdom" preaching.  I'll fix Him; I'll go over to the other side; I'll talk with them first;  they will be glad, and they will like me for it. They will take care of me! (Fool!)

 

How to Betray?

 

And he [Judas] went his way, and communed with the chief priest and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.  (Luke 22:4‑6)

And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, MASTER; and KISSED him.  (Matthew 26:49)

Betrayal is always premeditated. It doesn't just happen. Usually, it often begins with a little fellowship, friendship, and discussion with the opposition. Cowards need encouragement. Judas went to those, whom he really admired, who were not weaklings like Jesus. When he went to them, they were glad and treated him well.

He then sought opportunity how and when to do it. And yes,  he was careful to do it secretly. Even to the very end Judas played the role. His force of habit of pretending that Jesus was his superior and friend moved him to say, "Hail, Master"and to kiss  him. His betrayal was clothed in deceit, hypocrisy, and treachery.

Absalom's betrayal of his father, King David, involved a kiss also. In that case, Absalom kissed the people who would do obeisance to him and bring their grievances unto him. He told them that their  matters were "good and right" and said, "Oh that I were made a  judge in the land." The Holy Spirit informs us that he "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" turning them against his father, the king. The scriptures say "the conspiracy was strong." (Read 2 Sam. 15:1‑13).

 

How do you recognize

betrayal?

 

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud . . . unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce‑breakers, false accusers . . . despisers of those that are good . . . TRAITORS, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  having a  FORM of godliness  . . . FROM SUCH TURN AWAY.   (2 Timothy 3:1‑5)

How do you see it coming (You usually don=t)? How do you analyze it after it has happened? The list in 2 Timothy is a perfect place to start. Treacherous traits will be found in a traitor. Treacherous traits  will be found in those who try to lure and trick folks into being traitors. Apply this checklist to those who have betrayed folks and see how many of these traits they have. Moreover, check out those who give you a few smooches to steal your heart and turn you against someone.

 

What Then?

 

Often the depraved heart, hellbent on destruction, cannot be dissuaded from its evil intentions. At those times, it does little good to say "You ought not to do that" or 'Don't do that."  It is almost impossible to talk a person out of betrayal. Judas had been forewarned and foretold regarding a future betrayal  (Matt. 18:22; 20:19; 26:21‑25) and still persisted.

All that could be said at this point was, "That thou doest, do quickly." A person that is really  for someone can't  be against him, and a man cannot serve two masters,  for he will end up hating one of them. Nevertheless, folks will do  what they are determined to do, so "THAT THOU DOEST DO QUICKLY!" Get it over with! Spare us the suspense!