“Friend… do what you came here to do.” – Matthew 26:50
There’s a moment where we start to see the beginnings of betrayal in Jesus’ disciples.
There’s a dinner where a woman walks in, and in an act of adoration, pours expensive perfume on Jesus… and everyone loves it and celebrates how beautiful a moment it was to witness.
Nope.
They all think it’s a huge waste of money and resources! In fact, after that dinner, one of the followers of this Good News Movement had had enough of the compassion malarky and went to the authorities and asked how much money they would give him if he turned over this disappointing Messiah. Thirty pieces of silver, it turns out. It doesn’t take much to sell a friend out.
But before we think this is not a story about us, let’s consider this:
It’s disheartening when the thing you’re following shows itself to not be the thing you thought you were following.
When you’re ready to die for the revolution! When you’re ready to take back the Power! When you’re ready to be on top again…
And then your leader let’s resources wasted away in sentimental pageantry.
And then your leader doesn’t put up a fight.
And then your leader says love those who are persecuting you.
There may be some in the group that grumble….
“Wait. What? Isn’t this about winning?”
I thought this was about winning. Winning involves power. Power comes with wealth and might. You’re telling me if I follow this thing, it doesn’t end up in Power? It doesn’t end up looking like being on top? Being in control? Feeling secure? What’s the good news then?”
Jesus partook in not being what others wanted him to be.
Confession…
I’m amazed at how quickly I can betray any Way that leads me away from Power, Wealth, and Control.
It’s been said I can’t have two masters… but sometimes Jesus, I don’t think you know how all of this actually works.
“Friend, do what you came here to do.”
1/ What are other words or phrases that describe betrayal?
2/ What are the ingredients that make up betrayal?
3/ What does betrayal feel like?
4/ Are you surprised or not that Jesus was betrayed by a close friend? Why?
© Image & words by Scott Erickson
