By Charlene Friesen
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“Greetings, Rabbi!” Judas cried, embracing Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. With a kiss of death, Judas confirmed Jesus identity to the religious leaders and a gang of ruffians. Jesus, still locked in Judas’ embrace, said, “Friend, do what you came for.”
Roughly pushed aside by the angry crowd, Judas cowered behind some trees. There he sat, haunted by one word – friend. Judas, the traitor, the one who sold Jesus to the Pharisees for thirty silver coins – was considered a friend.
He stumbled away, his job done, his payment jingling in a satchel. Every step, every rattle of those dirty coins reminded Judas of his greed and betrayal. Filled with remorse, he flung the coins at the Pharisees’ feet, scattering the silver on the floor. “Traitor! Filthy sinner!” the coins seemed to taunt. “It’s done,” retorted the chief priests. “We don’t want blood money, it’s your problem.”
Problem? Jesus took care of that in the Garden of Gethsemane. By calling Judas “friend,” the betrayal became His issue. Judas was now forgiven; mercy extended in the name of friend.
For Jesus, the word friend is all-inclusive. He included crusty fishermen, shifty tax collectors, abrasive loudmouths and eccentric locus eaters in his circle. He befriended those who would betray him, deny him, and criticize him. Jesus’ friends were as diverse and unique as fingerprints.
Who are your friends? Shake the tendency to surround yourself with only those who have your best interest at heart. Gather a ragtag band. Then partner with those who hold you spiritually accountable – now minister to the Judas’ in your life.
You can never have too many friends.
“Lord, just as friends come in all shapes and sizes, so do their personalities. Give me the insight, patience and commitment to love them equally. I want to give of myself, with no expectation of receiving anything in return.”
Question: Are there people in your life who are difficult to call "friends"?
About the Author: http://thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/charlene-friesen/
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March 17th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Why does it say in the article that Judas said “Greetings Rabbi” when he actually called him Master not Rabbi in two different places Matthew 26:49 and Mark 14:45.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:51 am
The NIV uses the term “Rabbi” rather than “Master”. This is actually a more literal translation from the Greek and Hebrew transcripts. As with any study, remember that no matter what translation of the scriptures you have, it is still a translation. Some words may be substituted for others as more appropriate or more picturesque. Later translations may use words that are more specific to the original intent and whose connotations have only recently come to mean what the writers intended. In this instance, “Rabbi” is more accurate than “Master”, but the compilers of the KJV thought otherwise.