The Crucifier From Within

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
—Psalm 20:7

Scripture Readings
Psalm 20 – A call to trust in God, not in earthly power.
Judges 9:7-15 – Jotham’s parable of the bramble king, a warning against corrupt leadership.
1 John 2:18-28 – The warning about false Christs and those who betray from within.

A Crucifier from Within
As we journey through Lent, we remember that Christ was not just betrayed by His enemies—He was betrayed by one of His own. Judas, a disciple, handed Jesus over to be crucified. The chief priests, religious leaders of Israel, aligned with Rome to destroy the one they claimed to serve. The crucifixion was not only an act of external oppression but a betrayal from within.
Christian Nationalism is one such betrayal in our time. It seeks to marry the cross to political power, turning the gospel of love into a weapon of dominance. It replaces Christ’s kingdom of humility with a throne of earthly ambition. Like the bramble king in Judges 9, it offers false security but ultimately brings destruction.

Theologian Stanley Hauerwas warns:
“When Christianity becomes an instrument of national pride rather than a challenge to it, it ceases to be Christianity.”

John tells us that many antichrists have come—figures who claim to represent Christ but instead distort His message. Christian Nationalism turns faith into an idol of the state, crucifying Christ again by betraying His teachings of love, justice, and humility.

If betrayal can come from within, where is our hope? The same place it always has been: in Christ Himself.

Early Church Father Tertullian wrote:
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”

Even when betrayed, even when persecuted, even when false teachers rise up, the true Church cannot be destroyed. Christ is not bound by corrupt leaders or nationalist agendas—His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), though it includes it.

How Shall We Respond?

1. Examine Ourselves – Are there ways we, too, betray Christ? Do we seek power over service? Do we put politics before the gospel?
2. Resist False Messiahs – Just as Jesus stood before Pilate and did not bow to earthly power, we must reject versions of Christianity that seek control rather than compassion.
3. Hold Fast to the True Christ – As 1 John 2:28 urges, “abide in Him.” Our hope is not in worldly leaders, but in Jesus, who reigns forever.

Lenten Challenge
Spend time this week reflecting on where you place your trust. Do you find yourself seeking security in human leaders or ideologies rather than in Christ? Pray for discernment to recognize false teachings and the courage to follow Christ faithfully, even when it means standing apart.

Prayer
Lord of Truth,
You were betrayed by Your own, yet You remained faithful.
Help us to see the ways we betray You in our hearts and in our world.
Give us the wisdom to resist false gospels,
The courage to follow You alone,
And the hope to trust in Your coming kingdom.
Amen.