Jesus and Judas

In Judas’ worst moment, in the middle of the fateful act of betrayal that would go on to define him for all of human history, Jesus still calls him friend.

Three years of friendship.

Deep conversations.

Sunrise breakfasts.

Fishing trips.

Inside jokes.

Campfires.

Pillow talk.

Jesus and Judas hiked thousands of miles together throughout Galilee and Judea. Jesus granted Judas authority to cast out demons and to heal people from diseases. Judas was not just some extra hanging out in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to betray his rabbi.

He was one of the boys. To Jesus, he was closer than family.

Even as Jesus acknowledges Judas’ impending betrayal at the Last Supper his disposition towards him is gentle. He even washes his feet.

“Hurry and do what you’re going to do.”

There is no apparent spite or vengeance is his voice. Only sorrow mingled with an unwavering fondness.

In the garden, Jesus was still reeling emotionally from this wound three years in the making. He knew it was coming, but would that have made the deception hurt any less?

Judas arrives in the garden and, as he approaches Jesus, he runs his thumb over the face of a Greek demigod on an ill-shaped silver coin. There is no turning back now. He greets his rabbi with a forced smile, leans in, and kisses Jesus as his final act of betrayal.

Still, with the proverbial knife is his back, Jesus refuses to let go.

“Do what you came for, friend.”

Friend.

In Judas’ worst moment, in the middle of the fateful act of betrayal that would go on to define him for all of human history, Jesus still calls him friend.

This betrayal was one of the most painful wounds Jesus received in his last hours. There is no wound that stings like the blade of a friend.

The good news is that Jesus is a “friend that sticks closer than a brother.” In our worst moments, our little acts of betrayal, when we’re full of regret and hiding little silver coins in our pockets, he refuses to let us go. 

He still calls us “friend.”