Holy Week: Betrayal

After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. “One of you is going to betray me...The one to whom I give this crust of bread after I’ve dipped it." Then he dipped the crust and gave it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. "What you must do, do. Do it and get it over with." "Really? You’ll lay down your life for me [Peter]? The truth is that before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times.” - The Gospel of John 13:21,26-27,38

At the end of his life, Jesus experienced searing betrayal from two of his closest friends, Judas and Peter. Have you ever dedicated your life, energy, and time to something or someone only to have it disappear or betray you in the end? Was all of that blood, sweat, and tears for nothing? I imagine this is how Jesus felt knowing his impending betrayal of his friends after living, teaching, healing, and traveling with them for three years. They knew each other intimately, and yet, Peter will soon exclaim, "I assure you, I do not know that man [Jesus]!" Jesus not only experienced the denial of Peter and Judas but continued to experience loneliness in his final days. May we acknowledge the ways in which our lives deny the life of Jesus.

Where are the places in your life that you refuse to acknowledge his call to reconciliation, service, love, or justice?