Who Betrayed Jesus?
We are quick to point the finger at Judas as the betrayer. Remember, Jesus did accept him as one of the twelve. Jesus knew the hearts of His disciples, why would He accept His betrayer? A question we may not know the answer.
And I think of the pressure there must have been on this band of disciples. First, everyone was excited to hear the words of Jesus and marvel at His miracles. But then the attacks by the Pharisees and scribes, the number of times they tried to stone Jesus or throw Him over a cliff. We are a people who are insecure and seek safety, sometimes in the wrong places and with the wrong people. Did Judas seek out those he thought would save him?
As you reflect on this reading realize it was not just Judas that betrayed Jesus. Peter denied Jesus three times. All but John deserted Jesus in His most tragic hour. It is often said that the heaviest sun for Jesus to carry was the desertion of His friends. Would we be the same?
The difference between Judas and the other disciples is Judas could not humble himself to accept forgiveness. Have you accepted the forgiveness offered to you through Jesus?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen