Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: John 13:21-30 and Psalm 55:1-14

Psalm 55:12-14 poetically prophesies this betrayal of the Messiah with the poignant words: “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it … But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship.” Then, in John 13, we see the tragic betrayal unfolding before our very eyes.

For three years, Judas had been one of Jesus’ closest companions. Side by side they had been through storms, gone hungry, and walked the hot and dusty roads of Galilee. They had been together as Jesus healed the sick, drove out demons and even raised the dead. Together they had sailed on the Lake, worshipped at the Temple, danced at weddings, enjoyed good wine and feasted. Shoulder to shoulder they had become more than just rabbi and disciple. They had become friends.

But Jesus was, of course, more than a friend. Jesus had called Judas to follow Him, taught him truth, trained him to preach the coming of the Kingdom, to heal the sick and drive out demons. He had even sent Judas out to minister on His behalf and trusted him to administer the funds. To Judas, Jesus was his teacher, leader and mentor. With time, he had even come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah.

We may never know exactly what moved Judas to cut a deal with the chief priests to hand Jesus over to them. The Gospel writers do not tell us. Even they were never shown the answer to that mystery. But his decision to betray the Lord should put us on high alert. If a physical companion and close friend of Jesus can fall to the temptations of the evil one, surely we are not exempt either, no matter how faithful and mature we think we are.

Today as we reflect on the betrayal of Jesus, let us do so not from a position of judging and condemning Judas. Rather let us humbly recognise and confess our own human propensity for sin. Let us note the truth of what Judas’ brother-disciple, Peter, wrote years later: “Humble yourselves … Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:6 & 8)

At the same time, let us place our faith in the one great advantage we have over all the disciples as they sat in the Upper Room confused over Jesus’ words, and as they later fled from Gethsemane in fear, leaving Jesus to stand trial alone. They had not yet received the indwelling Holy Spirit, but we have!

Heavenly Father, I humbly confess my weakness and my frequent failures on this road of discipleship. Please strengthen me by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in me. Open my eyes to recognise the temptation and trickery of evil when it comes my way, and empower me to choose Your will at all times. Keep me faithful, Holy Spirit, for I trust in Your help and strength! Amen.