The betrayal of Jesus Christ by one of His close companions is a significant event prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. This act of betrayal is a poignant moment in the narrative of Christ's passion, underscoring the depth of human treachery and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

Old Testament Prophecy

The betrayal of the Messiah by a close associate is foretold in the Psalms. Psalm 41:9 states, "Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." This verse is traditionally understood as a messianic prophecy, indicating that the Messiah would be betrayed by someone within His inner circle, someone who shared in His daily life and ministry.

Another prophetic reference is found in Psalm 55:12-14 , which reads, "For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God." This passage highlights the personal nature of the betrayal, emphasizing the pain of being betrayed by a trusted friend.

New Testament Fulfillment

The fulfillment of these prophecies is recorded in the Gospels, where Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, betrays Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew 26:14-16 , it is written, "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus."

The act of betrayal is further detailed in Matthew 26:47-50 : "While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him.' Going directly to Jesus, he said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed Him. 'Friend,' Jesus replied, 'do what you came for.' Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him."

The Gospel of John also reflects on this fulfillment, with Jesus Himself acknowledging the prophecy during the Last Supper. In John 13:18 , Jesus says, "I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: 'The one who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.'"

Significance

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot is a profound moment that fulfills the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. It serves as a testament to the foreknowledge of God and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through Christ. The betrayal highlights the human capacity for sin and treachery, even among those closest to Jesus, and sets the stage for the events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection, central to the Christian faith.John 13:18,21
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... raise an argument at this point respecting the believer's ... accurate and literal
fulfilment of these prophecies we have ... Just as the Jews of Christ's day despised ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... performed by him, and the prophecies fulfilled in him ... pregnant with the deepest meaning
respecting the counsel ... Christ represents himself, moreover, as being not ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Acts i. 12
... spake before." Always he comforts them by the prophecies. ... also dwells upon the
circumstances respecting Judas, showing ... care for the flocks of Christ, as Jacob ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii acts i 12.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... the very silence of Scripture respecting Melchizedek's death ... Esau's posterity and
Balaam's prophecies,"the Cloud ... the universal efficacy of Christ's Death, who ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... almost be regarded as an epitome of these prophecies. ... that Noah, by "the spirit of
Christ" which was ... We are farther informed respecting Noah's preaching, which ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... an antiquity of nearly four thousand years before Christ. ... to these or like conclusions
respecting it, the ... the vast majority of the prophecies are acknowledged ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... So is their affirmation that Scripture prophecies about the ... on the part of the Donatists
respecting the restriction ... the Church, as the body of Christ was not ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is ...
... supposing any hidden connexion in the prophecies where [the ... in the Divinity of our
Lord Jesus Christ. ... the Lord; or, in another department, respecting the use ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/vii the essay which brings.htm

The Deists.
... and exactly consonant with the prophecies concerning the ... curiously conducted controversy
respecting the Resurrection ... Christ's conduct was 'reserved and cautious ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter iii the deists.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... to a birth, resembling a child in his mother's womb, so it is compared to a man
being raised out ... sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

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Prophecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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