Please read Matt 26:47-56.
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Led on. Let down. Turned against. Sold out. Betrayed.
Unfortunately, nearly all of us know the feeling of being thrown under the bus by someone we had hoped would treat us better. We may have seen it coming, or maybe we didn’t. Either way, it hurt. The closer we felt to our betrayer, the deeper the wound and the greater the damage.
Jesus saw his own betrayal coming well in advance. It could even be said he set himself up; he chose his own betrayer. Standing in the garden that night, feeling Judas’ kiss on his cheek, he didn’t kick himself for trusting someone he shouldn’t have trusted. But because he was as human as you or me, I think Jesus felt it as deeply and painfully as any of us would have in his place. What would it feel like to know one of your closest friends would place you in the hands of the enemy with a smile and a kiss? Is it far-fetched to imagine that the human part of Jesus was hoping that just maybe, in some twist of the story God might throw in at the last minute, Judas would make a more honorable choice, that his friend wouldn’t be able to go through with the treachery he’d planned? Along with all the physical brutality Jesus knew lay ahead of him, at the moment of Judas’ kiss, he also felt the stab of having been sold out by a friend.
Skip to the end of the passage: “Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” Ouch. Jesus wasn’t just betrayed by one of his disciples; he was betrayed by them all.
The betrayals I’ve experienced are microscopic compared to Jesus’ that night—or even compared to the devastating betrayals experienced by others I know. While I may not be quick to draw my sword and cut off an ear, neither am I quick to call my betrayer, “Friend.” Yet that’s exactly what Jesus did. Because as human as he was just then, Jesus is the opposite of treacherous; his name is Faithful and True [Rev. 19:11], and he is faithful and just [1 John 1:9]. Even as his friend abandoned him, Jesus did not abandon his friend.
Nothing about Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and the cross was accidental. There are many ways he could have been taken into the hands of his enemies. Yet Scripture predicted he would be betrayed, and it happened that way on purpose. It’s worth asking why. I don’t even pretend to have the answers, but here are a couple things I see:
When I am disloyal and faithless, Jesus says, “Friend,” and offers me his forgiveness if I’m willing to accept it.
~“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
When I am wounded and hurting and alone, Jesus shows me his own pain and sacrifice, and comes alongside me with his love, comfort, and healing.
~“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
~“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
Jesus, I don’t know why betrayal was a key part of your journey to the cross for me. Perhaps to magnify even further the pain and injustice you were willing to endure to express your love for me. It’s as if you went to every length you could think of to make sure there was no way I could question the measure of your sacrifice. All I can do is say thank you. Thank you for forgiving me when I betray you, myself, and others. Thank you for being my healer when I am wounded, and for being faithful, trustworthy, and just. Please give me the courage and compassion to stand alongside others who have been betrayed, and to stand for you when the enemy comes threatening.
Krysti Hall
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