(Hebrews 4:15 NIV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.
Jesus is our Savior so we often approach any examination of him from that perspective. Jesus is also a man. As a man we are told he was tempted just as we are but did not sin.
Jesus lived on this planet as a man until age thirty-three. The first three decades he was not a public religious figure. He was simply a man making a living. He paid taxes. He went to synagogue. He paid his bills. Sometimes it is difficult to see him as a man living day to day just as any other man would.
When he finally stepped forward and publicly declared himself as a teacher of God’s Word at age 30 he left everything in his life behind. He embraced God’s will for his life and followed it to perfection. Yet he was still a man.
Twelve men answered his call to follow and learn. Those twelve came from various walks of life. Their thirst for God’s will for their lives was evident when they also left their life behind to join Jesus. Something in Jesus drew out the best of their spiritual nature.
The bond of love and friendship grew strong. Family could not break it. Religious influence could not break it. Even the most powerful government in existence could not break it. They loved Jesus and Jesus loved them. He had hand picked each of them. He had given them a mission in life and trusted them with miracle working power.
He taught them secrets about his teaching that he refused to share with the public. When he visited other friends he took them along. For three years they lived as a family. He even chose them over His own family. There were probably no human beings closer to him in the entire world.
(Matthew 12:47-49 NIV) Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” {48} He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” {49} Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.
After three years of intense training and 24/7 living he was betrayed by one of them. As a man I cannot fathom the hurt this must have produced in Jesus’ life. When he needed his friends the most one betrayed him, sold him out and then the rest of them scattered.
(Matthew 26:49-50 NIV) Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. {50} Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
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(Matthew 26:56 NIV) But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Judas had accepted a trusted position as treasurer. He had gone out with the others and used the power of God to heal, preach and cast out demons. He had seen the miracles. He had heard the public sermons. He had received a private education at the feet of Jesus. He took the best Jesus had to offer, love, and used it as a weapon to destroy him.
Judas used a kiss to identify Jesus to those who had come to arrest him. A kiss, the symbol of intimate love for another. It would have been enough to simply betray Jesus. Judas went well beyond that. He told them where he was, took them to where he was and embraced him to betray him.
Jesus had to be betrayed for the scripture to be fulfilled. We are not Judas. Yet each time that we have let Jesus down we betray his love just as Judas did. None of his disciples passed this test. We all sin. Yet, God’s intimate love expressed through Jesus extends a gentle forgiveness to us daily. Let’s turn our hearts toward God and seek that forgiveness this Easter, begin anew and trust the love of our friend Jesus.
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