Today's devotion provides some interesting insights. Judas betrays Jesus to the authorities with a kiss. It was the dark of night. Jesus and his disciples were probably dressed similarly. Those who arrested Jesus probably included Roman soldiers, who may not have ever seen him. So Judas identified Jesus to them with the sign of a kiss. This intimate gesture of friendship was actually the ultimate sign of betrayal.
Despite this, Jesus still calls Judas "friend." (Matt. 26:50) He could have lashed out in righteous anger and called him "traitor" or "betrayer." But, despite what Judas has done, he still calls him "friend." When you pause to think about it, that is another example of our Lord's amazing love and compassion.
How have we betrayed Jesus by our words and actions? Probably in far too many ways to count. And yet, like Judas, Jesus still calls us "friend." He went to the cross to win our forgiveness and to maintain our friendship. Having Jesus as my friend means that I can live in a relationship with God. Having Jesus as my friend means I can turn to him in prayer with my concerns, as I might any friend. Having Jesus as my friend means I can turn to him for guidance. Having Jesus as my friend means he holds me accountable for the way I conduct my life, as a trusted friend might. Even in betrayal, Jesus still calls us friend. Amazing. In the words of the gospel hymn,
"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to hear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear-
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."
His friendship is the only relationship that I can count on to always be there for me and it offers me more than anything in this world can offer me. When I feel all alone and troubled with worries, all I need to do is go to Jesus. He is always there to spend time with me, if I am willing to spend time with Him. When I nurture this friendship I gain that indescribable peace of knowing that I am not alone and thus able to sing His praises for the many blessings He has given me.......mostly His friendship.
ReplyDeleteNot only is Jesus the perfect example of a servant-leader, He is also our mentor for being a friend. If I would work harder at being Jesus' friend, then my other friendships would be enriched!
ReplyDeleteAmen Cathy! Jesus is our example in any area of our life that needs improving, the hardest part is being able to see what we need to improve.
ReplyDelete