Betrayal

 

I must confess: Sometimes when I read a devotional passage, I skip the scripture verses and go straight to what today’s writer has to say about the passage. I know I shouldn’t do this. I know that I should let scripture speak for itself, and yet oftentimes I don’t…and I have a feeling I’m not the only one—especially when the text is familiar—like the Passion Story.

 

I make my confession to say this: Please don’t skip the scripture passage below. Please read its words and let thoughts and phrases jump out at you before you read this writer’s thoughts. As we walk Jesus’ journey toward the cross this week, may we each experience exactly what we need to experience…for ourselves…with others…as we journey alone, together.

 

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Matthew 26:47-56

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came.

With him was a large crowd carrying swords and clubs.

They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.

His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss.”

Just then he came to Jesus and said, “Hello, Rabbi.” Then he kissed him.

But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”

Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

One of those with Jesus reached for his sword.

Striking the high priest’s slave, he cut off his ear.

Then Jesus said to him,

“Put the sword back into its place.

All those who use the sword will die by the sword.

Or do you think that I’m not able to ask my Father and he will send to me more than twelve battle groups of angels right away? But if I did that, how would the scriptures be fulfilled that say this must happen?”

Then Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like a thief? Day after day, I sat in the temple teaching, but you didn’t arrest me. But all this has happened so that what the prophets said in the scriptures might be fulfilled.”

Then all the disciples left Jesus and ran away.

 

In this gut-wrenching scene from Jesus’ life, Jesus experiences one of the most difficult realities of human existence: betrayal. “Friend, do what you came to do.”

 

“Friend.” Judas was Jesus’ friend. Yet he betrayed him. He hurt him. Judas wounded Jesus’ soul and spirit. Because of this, Jesus knows exactly how we feel when we, ourselves, are betrayed.

 

Take a few moments to think of the persons who have hurt or betrayed you. Instead of retaliating against them as Peter retaliated against those who hurt Jesus, say a prayer for those persons now. 

 

Oh God, when I am hurt—when I am betrayed—when my soul and spirit are wounded by those closest to me—you understand. Thank you. Amen.