What’s Worse? Betrayal or Betrayal?

RE Verse reading–Mark 14:10-11, 17-21, 41-50 (day two)
What’s worse: premeditated, cold-blooded betrayal or passive, save-your-own-skin betrayal? Judas “looked” intently for a chance to have Jesus murdered (14:11). The disciples abandoned him in an attempt to save their own lives (14:50). As the saying goes, “I don’t have to out run the bear. I just have to out run you!” Both betrayals reveal a morbidly self-centered person. Both destroy the trust that sustains relationship. Both end in death. But both share something else. Both are taken up by the sovereign God and become instruments of redeeming love. Jesus’ death at their hands makes Jesus able to offer forgiveness through his hands. As James Edwards puts it, “divine grace uses even human evil for its saving purpose.” It is broken trust in the Sovereign God that leads to betrayal. It is through that betrayal that God demonstrates His own unswerving trustworthiness. God doesn’t ask, “can I trust you?” God asks, “will you trust Me again?”