The Dirty Deed is Done

 

The Dirty Deed is Done

 

Matthew 26:47-50, NIV - While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.  Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”

 

This passage marks the beginning of Matthew’s passion narrative, the account of Jesus submitting to arrest, trial, conviction, and sentence to death by Roman crucifixion.  It begins with thick irony, with the kiss of a friend.  This kiss of greeting marks Jesus for death.  Jesus knows this is coming, but Jesus is still human; the betrayal must have really sting, being turned over to authorities by a friend who has been with Jesus every day for three years. 

I think of times when friends have let me down, when personal attacks came from unexpected people.  I do not, in any way, compare those painful experiences with what Jesus endured in this moment.  For in a very real way, Judas’s betrayal represents the betrayal of Jesus by all God’s people.  It represents my betrayal of Jesus and yours as well. I think of a song by the Christian Rock band, Petra in 1982. The song for the day is that song linked for today, but if Rock Music is not your cup of tea, I invite you to simply read the lyrics here, addressed to Jesus.

I wonder how it makes you feel when the prodigal won't come home

I wonder how it makes you feel when he'd rather be on his own

I wonder what it's like for you when a lamb has gone astray

I wonder what it's like for you when your children disobey

 

Chorus:  It must be like another thorn struck in your brow

It must be like another close friend's broken vow

It must be like another nail right through your wrist

It must be just like

Just like Judas' kiss

 

I wonder how it makes you feel when no one seeks your face

I wonder how it makes you feel when they give up in the race

I wonder what it's like for you when they willingly disobey

I wonder what it's like for you when they willingly walk away.

Repeat Chorus

 

This passage confronts us with the ways in which we participated in the moment of Jesus’s betrayal.  Jesus the felt the rejection of all in Judas’s kiss. Yet Jesus, in the very moment of treachery, addresses Judas as friend.  Though Judas has turned away from Jesus, Jesus has not turned away from Judas.  Neither does Jesus turn away from us in the midst of our fallenness. 

 

Question:  What are the ways in which you have let Jesus down.

 

Prayer:  Forgive us Lord, when our independence becomes rebellion and our mistaken expectations lead us to move against the way you are leading. 

 

Prayer Focus:  Spend some time confessing your sins to God and receiving God’s forgiveness.  Hear the voice of Jesus calling you “friend.”

 

Song:  Judas Kiss - Petra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CJJ03ueOfI