The betrayal of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the beginning of His Passion. This act of treachery, primarily associated with Judas Iscariot, is met by Jesus with a profound combination of foreknowledge, composure, and fulfillment of divine prophecy.

Foreknowledge and Prophecy

Jesus' awareness of His impending betrayal is evident throughout the Gospels. In the Gospel of John, Jesus explicitly acknowledges the betrayal during the Last Supper: "Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me" (John 13:21). This foreknowledge is not merely a human intuition but a divine insight into the fulfillment of Scripture. Jesus references the prophecy from Psalm 41:9, "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me" (John 13:18), indicating that the betrayal is part of God's sovereign plan.

Composure and Submission

Despite the emotional weight of betrayal, Jesus maintains a remarkable composure. In the Garden of Gethsemane, when Judas arrives with a cohort to arrest Him, Jesus addresses Judas with a poignant question: "Friend, why have you come?" (Matthew 26:50). This response highlights Jesus' willingness to embrace His role in the divine plan, even in the face of personal treachery. His use of the term "friend" underscores His consistent love and grace, even towards the one who betrays Him.

Fulfillment of Divine Purpose

Jesus' response to betrayal is deeply rooted in His mission to fulfill the will of the Father. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus rebukes Peter for attempting to defend Him with violence, saying, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you not think I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?" (Matthew 26:52-54). This statement reveals Jesus' commitment to the path laid out for Him, emphasizing that His arrest and subsequent crucifixion are necessary for the redemption of humanity.

Grace and Redemption

The betrayal by Judas, while a grievous act, is enveloped in the larger narrative of grace and redemption. Jesus' response is not one of retaliation or bitterness but of acceptance and purpose. His actions and words during this time reflect His unwavering dedication to His redemptive mission. Even as He faces betrayal, Jesus remains focused on the ultimate goal of salvation for mankind, demonstrating the depth of His love and the extent of His sacrifice.

Conclusion

Jesus' response to betrayal is a testament to His divine nature and His unwavering commitment to the Father's will. Through foreknowledge, composure, and a focus on fulfilling prophecy, Jesus transforms an act of treachery into a pivotal moment in the account of salvation. His response serves as a profound example of grace, love, and obedience to God's plan.