Have you ever been betrayed by someone you considered a friend? I have. The initial feelings were hurt, betrayal and anger. I’m sure if they tried to kiss me on the cheek after the betrayal, it just wouldn’t happen, and I wouldn’t call he/she “my friend.” But in Matthew 26:50, we see Jesus say, “Do what you came for, friend.” In verse 46, Jesus tells the other disciples that his betrayer was coming. The crowd was large. Judas and the Roman guards had a prearranged signal. Judas stepped forward and said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and then kissed Jesus, which was the signal for the guards to seize Jesus.
Jesus didn’t call Judas a traitor, betrayer, or backstabber; he called him a friend. Jesus wasn’t trying to be nice; he always called things the way he saw them. Even in that moment of betrayal, Jesus did not respond with hatred. Jesus knew his war wasn’t with flesh and blood but against Satan, and looked past that and saw Judas as his friend. He knew the cross wasn’t something being forced on him. He allowed everything because he was determined to save humanity.
In John 17:12, Jesus prays concerning His disciples,“While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.” At one time, though, Judas believed Jesus was a prophet, or possibly even the Messiah. Jesus sent the disciples out to proclaim the gospel and perform miracles (Luke 9:1-6). Judas was included in this group. Judas had faith, but it was not a true saving faith.
Judas made his own choices, and they were the source of his regret and tragic end. Yet the choices fit perfectly into the sovereign plan of God. God controls not only the good but also the evil of man to accomplish His own ends. Considering that Judas travelled with Jesus for nearly three years, we know He gave Judas ample opportunity for salvation and repentance. Even after his dreadful deed, Judas could have fallen on his knees to beg God’s forgiveness. But he apparently did not.
We have to examine ourselves, not judge others, to make sure we aren’t just followers but true believers. God the Father alone is the judge, but we make our own choices. There is no choice of man that can’t be redeemed.
Judas’ kiss led to the death of Jesus, and to the shedding of his blood on the cross to cover our sins and wash us white as snow. There is power in that blood to save, to heal, and to redeem even the betrayers, the murderers, you and I. On the cross, Jesus said, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” Even on the cross, he was interceding for sinners. He gives us that same power to forgive when we choose to believe that He died for us.
Deb Hill
EFCC Member