As Jesus sat at table with those most close to him, he says, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish, will betray me.” Amazingly, Judas who had already conspired with the chief priest replies, “Is it I, Master?”
Later that evening when Jesus is in prayer and fellowship on the Mount of Olives, Judas trailed by a great crowd handling swords and clubs comes up to Jesus and says, “Hail Master!” and kisses him. Jesus says to him, “Friend, why are you here?”
Jesus was not surprised by any of this. He knew it was the will of the Father that He go to the cross. He had told His disciples about it weeks before: “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” He was aware of what was going to happen, and He was content with it.
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What person has never experienced the pain and shock of being betrayed by a friend, a husband or wife, or a brother or sister? Words simply are inadequate to describe the pain that accompanies betrayal, but consider the opening lines to John Michael Talbot’s version of “Why?”
Why did it have to be a friend, who chose to betray the Lord. Why did he use a kiss to show them. That is not what a kiss is for.
Only a friend can betray a friend. A stranger has nothing to gain. And only a friend comes close enough, to ever cause so much pain.
It is said with respect to human relationships that it takes a long time to develop a deep, profound trust between human beings. There is certainly truth and security in the statement to safeguard oneself before trusting another, but if we model our life in Jesus it is important to acknowledge that this is not what Jesus does. Jesus does not require us to earn his trust, or his love. Yes, it takes great courage to trust another person “up front” without needing it to be earned. It also takes great faith and “strength of spirit” to endure the first devastating punch of the betrayer. And when knocked down get back up, …only to forgive.
When we experience the pain of betrayal, we find our consolation in suffering by walking with Jesus not only to the cross, but through the cross – with the conviction that to be “raised up” we will enter new Life. It is the Paschal Mystery.
Is it beyond time to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply?
If not today, when?
