Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭11‬:‭8‬-‭13‬
In one month I got rid of the three shepherds. The flock detested me, and I grew weary of them and said, “I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish. Let those who are left eat one another’s flesh.” Then I took my staff called Favor and broke it, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. It was revoked on that day, and so the oppressed of the flock who were watching me knew it was the word of the Lord. I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭9‬
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.

If you prophesy about the future and tell people what you see when it is revealed to you by God’s hand, will it change the future? Many think so, but the Bible is a document, historically highly verified, that proves that it does not change the future.

Here in our cross-references we see two prophecies detailing aspects of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. The first one is describing how one Shepherd supplanted and got rid of the other shepherds who were slaughtering the sheep. This is likely a reference to Jesus supplanting the Teachers of the Law and Pharisees in preaching the truth and caring for the real needs of the people. Later it references the thirty pieces of silver and throwing these pieces to the Potter. Well, the money Judas was paid was used to purchase the Potter’s field where he hung himself.

The second references Jesus’ friendship with Judas and the sharing of bread at the Last Supper before his betrayal of Jesus.

And now we see the full effect of the sin of betrayal: Judas plotted it down to the very detail. And he relished the part he played, even to the extent of giving Jesus the feigned kiss of a friend. Who knows what was going through Judas’ mind as he acted in this way? My guess is he was full of anger and disdain for Jesus siding with Mary about the use of the perfume to anoint his body. He was disillusioned because, over time, he probably continued to follow Jesus because of his power to overthrow the Romans and the hype and popularity he brought; not out of true loyalty. So when those things faded, so did his allegiance! And now he demonstrated the actions of a life that harbored sin in his heart.

It is a great warning to me. Nothing is hidden from the sight of God. Jesus said as much here: “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭17‬)

What hidden sin do I harbor, trying to get by without confessing it; and maybe justifying my decision by the unfairness of life and/or people? Will I give it up and confess and repent? Only then can I be truly healed and restored.

Lord, you know me in the inmost places of my heart. Nothing is hidden from your sight. I surrender today. Have your way with my heart. Do deep surgery and purify me. Heal me and use me as you see fit. May sin never have a foothold in my life!