Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” ”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, April 7, 2020
by Daniel D. Maurer, Clergy Stuff
Betrayed! With a kiss!
I’m thinking the above exclamations would make excellent fodder for the front page of any supermarket tabloid.
The point with Judas and Jesus though, and what the authorities really wanted to know, is who among the group was the leader. They wanted to identify Jesus, because in that day, of course, they didn’t have photographs or identifiable biometrics.
Academics and scholars have written volumes as to what Juda’s motivation was, as well as Jesus’ acceptance of the betrayal. And each of us can spin the betrayal down various paths—I mean, isn’t it because of Judas’ betrayal that Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross took place?
Rather than try to work ourselves into a theological frenzy, I think what’s most important is that Jesus understood Judas’ role. Jesus recognized that betrayal was inevitable, and that God’s resolution could even rectify the worst of our intentions to make the world beautiful.
It’s about trust. Jesus trusted, no matter what.
Do you trust?
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