Jesus, Our Intimate Friend
Matthew 26: 47 – 50; “And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying,
Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”
I have spoken with plenty of folks who argue that they are not worthy of God’s love. Of all the passages I could point to that describes the Lord’s devotion, today’s is the one I think best showcases the unqualified friendship He offers His followers. As Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane of the night before His crucifixion,
As Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane of the night before His crucifixion, Judas Iscariot approached him with a band of men. The betrayer stepped forward and kissed the Lord’s cheek. And what was Jesus’ response?
According to another disciple, Matthew, He called the man “Friend.”
Judas expected Jesus to establish His kingdom on earth and drive the Romans out of Israel – anyone who could calm a storm at sea could easily remove an oppressive government! But Judas’s interest in Jesus was more personal and political than spiritual. In fact, John reported that his fellow disciple stole from the money box. Today the man’s name is synonymous with those who betray others for personal gain.
In spite of Judas’ greed, blind ambition, and betrayal, Jesus never stopped loving him; He still used the word “friend” to address the one – time disciple. The Lord does not place conditions on His love or reject people who fail to meet certain standards. He simply cares for us as we are.
People cannot earn Jesus Christ’s love and friendship. He takes the initiative, reaches out, and draws into fellowship those who are willing. We are not worthy, but we are privileged to live in His love anyway. In the Lord, we find a friend who sticks closer than a brother.