Betrayed
And when he (Judas) came, he went up to him (Jesus) at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him (Jesus) and seized him (Jesus). Mark 14:45-46 (ESV)
I remember when I used to wrestle with my brothers. I was the youngest and weakest. One of them would usually fight on my side, but every now and then when they sensed I was enjoying being the winner, they would sway up and both waylay me. After this happened, I learned to look for the signs and watch out for the coming betrayal.
Jesus knew it was coming, he knew who it was, he was praying to avoid, yet he faced it. To kiss another in this culture was a sign of closeness and friendly intimacy. For Judas to betray Jesus in this way, reveals his deeply cynical side. Why did he choose this type of intimate betrayal?
In thinking about the pain in our life, there is physical pain which is terrible. However, the emotional damage that people do to us creates deep scars. Scars that impact our life and the way we think about life. Jesus was betrayed in one of the most intimate manners possible. A close friend saw his truth, love, power, and humility and then betrayed him for a month’s wage.
Jesus understands us. He knows the pain of deep betrayal, and yet went to the cross. He still chose to die for humanity. That is the example Jesus gives to us. Which do you think hurt Jesus more, the betrayal from a friend or the lashes on his back? Which would hurt you more?
Who in your life betrayed you deeply? Do you still need to forgive them? What will it take for your to forgive them? What did it take for forgiveness to come to you?
I remember when I used to wrestle with my brothers. I was the youngest and weakest. One of them would usually fight on my side, but every now and then when they sensed I was enjoying being the winner, they would sway up and both waylay me. After this happened, I learned to look for the signs and watch out for the coming betrayal.
Jesus knew it was coming, he knew who it was, he was praying to avoid, yet he faced it. To kiss another in this culture was a sign of closeness and friendly intimacy. For Judas to betray Jesus in this way, reveals his deeply cynical side. Why did he choose this type of intimate betrayal?
In thinking about the pain in our life, there is physical pain which is terrible. However, the emotional damage that people do to us creates deep scars. Scars that impact our life and the way we think about life. Jesus was betrayed in one of the most intimate manners possible. A close friend saw his truth, love, power, and humility and then betrayed him for a month’s wage.
Jesus understands us. He knows the pain of deep betrayal, and yet went to the cross. He still chose to die for humanity. That is the example Jesus gives to us. Which do you think hurt Jesus more, the betrayal from a friend or the lashes on his back? Which would hurt you more?
Who in your life betrayed you deeply? Do you still need to forgive them? What will it take for your to forgive them? What did it take for forgiveness to come to you?
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