betrayal

Mark 14: 10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

17 In the evening Jesus arrived with the twelve disciples. 18 As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.” 19 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one?” 20 He replied, “It is one of you twelve who is eating from this bowl with me. 21 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”

45 As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.

I have been thinking.. how many times have we been betrayed in our lives.. I would have to say many... and usually it is by one of the people who is closest to you.. one of the few you trust.. if you didn't trust them.. then it really wouldn't be considered betrayal.. now would it...

someone we love cheats on us.. a best friend talks behind our back... telling all the things we said in private and confidence.. even if it is someone who we only remotely know.. and they are out there telling everyone lies about us.. and have everyone who is supposed to know who we really are.. now doubting us... and those willing to doubt us on the words of strangers... all of these people are betrayers... but in reality.. we have all played the part of the betrayer at some point in our lives...

how do we react to a betrayer? well good sense tells us to leave the person alone.. justification tells us to beat the person down.. but what does Jesus do to His betrayer? He kisses him.. and acts completely normal... ????? what ???? surely God does not think I can do that??

but that is exactly what God expects... some of the purpose of documenting Jesus' life is surely so that we have a role model to live by.. and He knew that Judas would betray Him long before it ever happened.. kept him in the inner circle despite his future.. most of us would have at least cut him off so he didn't have access to hurt us...

and it occurs to me... (lesson from Jesus...) if we shut the person out... if we treat them badly... if we retaliate.. all of these things cause our own walk to be questioned... by the betrayer.. but also by anyone watching.. if we continue to act in kindness.. like we did before the betrayal... then really.. other than what they make up in their head.. what can they say about us.. and our witness will show over time that we have been consistant and true...

it is not easy to live like Jesus lived.. but surely it is the best example we can ever have to follow...