Jesus said, "My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for." Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. Mathew 26:50
When one asks who is our real friend, the first thing that comes to mind is a person who always does good.What do we mean when we talk about real goodness? Real goodness is being in the perfect will of God just as crucifixion was the perfect will of the Father upon Jesus.Judas' wrongful betrayal of Jesus was the vehicle that carried Jesus towards the perfect will of God. In the end, Judas' action was beneficial for Jesus.
6 comments:
Your question reminds me of the story of the certain king who made a marriage for his son. In this story the king says, "Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?"
I published a post on my blog about this story. You're welcome to check it out at http://www.inmyownname.com/2010/09/certain-king-made-marriage-for-his-son.html
Gary
Very interesting thought...
Jesus knew Judas will betray him. It sounds sarcastic that our Gracious Lord refers to him as "Friend" instead of his name, Judas. But if we can know the heart of Jesus, perhaps our Lord is trying to make Judas think that "Yes, you will betray me. (to say the least). But when that guilt overwhelms you, remember...you are my friend because I am your friend who died for you.". Old Testament says that God has no pleasure in death. Can you imagine how Judas would have been if he remembered the words of Jesus and how Jesus really loves? He, like us, don't appropriate that grace and love as Jesus wants us to. Is he any worse than Paul? Perhaps, he would have been better than Paul in explaining truth, grace and love? God has to choose another murderer (besides Moses and David) to show and give His life to us- dead (to our sins)? But then, if not by the grace of His Spirit, we all can be Judas (if we haven't been one). Thank you Lord that you call us your chosen holy ones. You are so good. Help me remember and believe.
I disagree. In love, I believe Jesus referred to Judas as friend as an invitation to restore him to right relationship. Yes scripture said that someone would betray him but that doesn't mean it was what God wanted. Jesus could've gone to the cross without being betrayed. God knew what Judas would decide to do but I do not believe it was his will that his son lbe betrayed by a disciple and especially it was not his wheel that a disciple be possessed by the devil. In love. Just the way I see it.
*will :)
Anyone that is forwarding the Kingdom of God is Jesus's "friend". God does not change so that we can, and with that in mind we must always be concerned with Kingdom things and not this world mentality. Change is the heart of the Gospel, and that is what Jesus is continually Calling us to. Judas unknowingly was furturing the Kingdom of God and that made him a friend. In the same story, Peter is call Satan because his actions would stop the will of God concerning you and me. Thank God for the cross. Jesus went tot he cross so we don't have to.....
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