Leadership in the Midst of Betrayal

 The rival high school basketball game was finally here. Tension was mounting between the two participating schools. The games played between them were always competitive, but this year it seemed that the rivalry had reached a new level and pressure was escalating by the day.

Two of the talented players from one school had transferred to the rival school during the summer and were now starting for that team. With their transfer the rival team's success was greatly enhanced and at this point midway through the season, they were undefeated.

The athletes had transferred because they did not want to play under the expectations of their previous team's philosophy. To add insult to injury, they chose to attend the rival school that is only about five miles from their previous school and is in the same district.

Their transferring left their previous team with young players who had mostly limited experience. Additionally the previous team's point guard had sustained a season-ending injury in a pre-season scrimmage. Most people in athletics know that a point guard is one of the most valuable positions on a basketball team. With all this, many fans predicted that the game would be a runaway win for the undefeated team.

The athletes' move evoked an image with some people of a traitor, as in a Benedict Arnold identity. Entering their senior year, they left their friends and teammates and did not want to even talk about it when the coaches approached them. One mother even indicated that her son was destined for the NBA and did not like the team concept, defense, and sharing-the-ball approach of his previous school. Well, arguments could be made on both sides. But the game was scheduled and it must be played.

If you were coaching or playing for the young (predicted) underdog team, what could you do to prepare yourself for the rival game which was to be played on your home court? Everyone knows that, at times like these, emotions can escalate in a heart beat--producing anger, resentment, or fear. Even on an ordinary game night, things can happen which are beyond our control in a high-pressure situation. What can one do to be ready and to ensure the actions of good sportsmanship at a time like this?

As game time drew near, I began to think of another time long ago when a good man, in fact--a perfect man, the leader, was betrayed by a member of his team. This man sacrificed for each one of his followers. He loved them all dearly. But after three years of close companionship one of the players on his team left to play for the rivals. He did not want to comply with the established expectations of the team. Though he had seen all of the amazing things that had been done during the three years of life with his leader, his selfishness and need for more drove him to walk away and wear the uniform of the opponents. 

The time came when he brought his new, opposing team to the home court of his previous team, a place where he had before shared many deep and intimate moments with his teammates. This time it was for nothing more than to destroy them. The good man was now forced to decide how he should demonstrate leadership in the midst of this betrayal. The attitude exhibited by this leader is a model to be emulated.

This four step process is found in John 18:1-12. It is the account of Judas' coming to the home court of Jesus and his disciples. He was coming to his previous teammates and coach, clothed in a different uniform. Jesus, the head coach, demonstrated four characteristics that are worthy of our attention.

First of all he prayed. Other gospel accounts tell us that his prayers were so intense that blood came from the brow of his head as sweat. He did not want to experience this betrayal that would lead to his ultimate death.

Secondly he demonstrated preparation. It is said that he knew all things that were about to transpire. He prepared himself and his team.

Thirdly he was pro-active. Knowing all things that were about to be revealed, Jesus went forward. He was not hiding behind rocks or trees. His walking forward toward the enemy team was so amazing that Judas, the soldiers, and the religious leaders went backward and fell to the ground. This scene happened not once but twice when he told them that he was the one that they were seeking. He "ran toward the roar."

The final time Jesus demonstrated protection for the members of his team. He said, "If it is me that you want then let these others go." What a wonderful reaction to betrayal! He also reached out to a member of the opposing team by healing Malchus, whose ear had been cut off by Peter.

I love this story because the greatest leader of all history is found in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. This great leader did not sin and no deceit was found in his mouth, when insulted he did not insult in return and when he suffered he did not threaten but rather entrusted himself to the father. He lost this game and Satan came away with the victory that day, but Christ won the ultimate victory three days later when he rose from the grave. So the next time you experience betrayal, remember how it was handled by this wonderful man many years ago.

Now you may be wondering how the game turned out. There were actually two outcomes of the game played that night--one was displayed on the scoreboard and the other one was demonstrated by the conduct of the players on the two teams.

The undefeated team won the game by a score of 57-49. But the inexperienced team won too. They won a game of life. They played hard, pulling together as a team, sharing the ball on offense, playing defense, and demonstrating sportsmanship by giving a hand when one or more players from the opposing team fell to the floor. Their attitude and play were impressive in large measure because their coach had 1) prayed, 2) prepared the team for every situation, 3) was pro-active (running toward the roar) and 4) led his team to play under the protection of team unity. 

I left the game impressed knowing that teamwork and sportsmanship might be the most important game played that night.

Remember, I believe we are all leaders regardless of our position.