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Topic: Betrayal (02/16/04)
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TITLE: MY OWN FAMILIAR FRIEND By Angela Williams 02/16/04 |
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Any contemplation of the crucifixion tends to encompass the idea of betrayal. Parents do not, as a rule, call their male offspring Judas, since the name has become synonymous with treachery. Yet one wonders how someone could have walked with Jesus, been his financial controller, shared his meals and then sold him out to the religious zealots of the day. He was his ‘own familiar friend.’ One school of thought is that Judas felt that Jesus would have escaped, as had happened before, while he would have been 30 pieces of silver richer, being the sharp businessman he was.
A question that comes to mind is “why didn’t Judas ask for forgiveness?” He was obviously sorry for what he had done according to Matthew 27:3-4, he returned the money and yet he felt he couldn’t live with himself so he took his own life. What a waste! His story could have been so much different. Look at Peter. His denial was a betrayal too. I believe the difference is that Peter knew his Lord. He understood the wonderful forgiving Saviour who had stuck with him even when he was at his most impetuous.
When the risen Jesus showed himself to his disciples (St John 21), as soon as Peter heard that it was the Lord, he jumped into the sea to go to him. It is instructive to note that Jesus addressed Peter three times during that session; “Lovest thou me?” The positive response each time seemed to cancel the three denials. There were no recriminations, only the instructions, “feed my lambs, feed my sheep, follow me.” What a beautiful example for us. Betrayal seems to be an integral part of the human condition but love and forgiveness cover “a multitude of sins.”