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#1255. Betrayal – God’s plan and love on display (14/4/25)

  • Writer: Matt Beaney
    Matt Beaney
  • 5 days ago
  • 5 min read

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we journey through our Luke: Exploring Who Jesus Is series. 


From Luke 22-23, we reflect on how we are to see the plan and love of God in Jesus’ betrayal and death. 


You can listen to this devotional below:



“Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.” (Luke 22:22)

The Sting of Betrayal

Betrayal cuts deepest when it comes from those closest to us. In Luke 22–23, we find not one, but two painful betrayals: one from Judas, one from Peter. Both are disciples. Both walked with Jesus. Yet in His final hours, they both turned away. In addition to this, we could add in the betrayal of the crowds - many of them celebrated His entrance into Jerusalem, but are now crying out that He be crucified!


Judas: Betrayal by a Friend (Luke 22:3–6; 47–48)

“Then Satan entered Judas… and Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.” (Luke 22:3–4)

Judas’ betrayal was cold and calculated. He sold Jesus for silver and handed Him over with a kiss. Luke explicitly says “Satan entered Judas”—the enemy was active and intentional. Yet even in this dark moment, Jesus remains in control.

“But Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’” (Luke 22:48)

Jesus isn’t surprised. He knows what’s coming, and He knows this is a part of God’s saving plan—it has been “decreed” (v. 22). This betrayal, while evil and painful, fits within God’s sovereign plan of salvation.


Peter: Betrayal by Denial (Luke 22:31–34; 54–62)

Peter’s betrayal is less premeditated but equally heart-wrenching. Bold in word but weak in the moment, he denies even knowing Jesus—three times.

“Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.” (Luke 22:60)

Yet even this denial was foreseen:

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” (Luke 22:31–32)

Satan is at work again, but he is not unchecked. He must ask permission. And Jesus intercedes for Peter before the fall even happens. There is failure, but not final failure—because grace will follow with restoration. 


The Work of Satan and the Sovereignty of God

Both betrayals reveal Satan’s desire to destroy. He seeks to control, corrupt, and confuse. But through it all, the sovereignty of God remains.

“The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed.” (Luke 22:22) “This is your hour—when darkness reigns.” (Luke 22:53)

Yes, darkness has an hour. But it is only an hour. God has all time in His hands. Even betrayal serves His greater purpose—the redemption of the world through the cross.


Reflection

In the events of Easter, let’s see afresh the plan and love of God in Jesus’ betrayal and death. 

  • Are we full of gratitude that Jesus chose betrayal so that our sin— our betrayal— could be washed away? 

  • Have you ever felt betrayed by someone close? Bring that pain to Jesus—He understands.

  • Have you ever denied or distanced yourself from Christ in weakness? Take heart—Peter’s story doesn’t end at the fire, but in restoration and greater service for His church. 

  • Consider how even in chaos, God's sovereign hand is at work. Evil never gets the final word.


Prayer

“Lord Jesus, You were betrayed by friends, abandoned by companions, and handed over to die—yet none of it surprised You. Thank You for facing betrayal so that I might find mercy when I fall. Help me to trust Your sovereign hand even in painful seasons, knowing that nothing escapes Your purpose. Strengthen me when I’m tempted, restore me when I fail, and remind me that Your grace always has the last word. Amen.”

 

Community Group Notes


1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

Please ensure that everyone is aware of the details of our Good Friday Walk. 


2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 


3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.


4. Study and pray together


Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.


On Sunday, we explored aspects of Luke 22-23. I encourage you to read this section carefully in your own time and use the devotionals in order to reflect on the important teaching of these chapters. In summary, these two chapters cover:


Luke 22

  • The plot to kill Jesus (Luke 22:1–6)

  • The Last Supper (Luke 22:7–23)

  • Who is the greatest (Luke 22:24–30)

  • Jesus predicts Peter’s denial (Luke 22:31–34)

  • Preparation for trouble ahead (Luke 22:35–38)

  • Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39–46)

  • Jesus is arrested (Luke 22:47–53)

  • Peter denies Jesus (Luke 22:54–62)

  • The guards mock Jesus (Luke 22:63–65)

  • Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66–71)


Luke 23

  • Jesus before Pilate (Luke 23:1–5)

  • Jesus before Herod (Luke 23:6–12)

  • Pilate sentences Jesus (Luke 23:13–25)

  • The crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:26–43)

  • The death of Jesus (Luke 23:44–49)

  • The burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50–56)

  • 4–49)

  • The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50–56)


In this study, let’s briefly reflect on the salvation of the thief on the cross. Like Him, we’re encouraged to: Put our faith in the one who has true power in life and death. 


Discussion: 

  1. How is Jesus, even in his desolate state, revealed as Lord over all that’s happening?

    Look at examples like Luke 22:10–12, 17–23, 31–34, and 23:44–46. What do these moments show us about his authority and control, even in suffering?

  2. Read Luke 23:32–43. What does the salvation of the thief on the cross reveal about how a person is saved?

    What stands out about this moment of grace? What does it teach us about faith, repentance, and Jesus' power to save?

  3. In what ways is your faith in Jesus being tested or shaken right now?

    How can the events in Luke 22–23 help to steady and restore your faith? What do these chapters remind us about who Jesus is and what he’s done for us?


SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

  • Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything from Luke 22-23, which teaches and inspires us in our mission and our approach to it? 

  • Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us. 

  • Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.


Let’s pray together: 

  • Let’s pray for our Easter Service this coming Sunday.

  • Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.



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