Tuesday of Holy Week – John 13:21-33; 36-38
The opening words of today’s Gospel are: “Jesus was deeply troubled.” Jesus is saddened and dismayed by the knowledge that one of his beloved and intimate friends soon would betray him and hand him over to the Romans. When Jesus tells his disciples that one of them would betray him, the disciples are aghast. They look at one another in shock. They couldn’t believe what Jesus was saying. They all loved Jesus. They not only were followers of Jesus, he also was their friend and mentor. None of them would betray him!
But they begin to look at one another, asking themselves: could it be Peter? Surely not! Perhaps Andrew? Thomas? Judas? All of them had left their families, livelihoods and friends to follow this Jesus. They were his friends not just his disciples! Why did Jesus believe that one of them would betray him? They had left their families and their lives to follow Jesus. They were not simply followers of Jesus. He had become their friend and mentor!
Have you ever been betrayed by a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor? Betrayal is horrible! It is one of the most painful experiences in life, especially if the person who betrayed you was someone you loved and trusted, a person that you believed also cared about you.
Yet, Jesus was deadly serious. Imagine the emotions Jesus must have been experiencing, knowing that one of his loved ones would betray him. This knowledge must have broken Jesus’ heart! Yet he was determined to do what he needed to do. He knew his Father was with him. This gave Jesus strength!
At times in our lives, we also have been hurt, disappointed, perhaps betrayed by someone we loved. What a gift it is that we can turn to Jesus when we are broken by betrayal or deceit. No matter what we experience in life, Jesus has trod the path before us. He understands. He loves us and longs to walk with us!
Today may we intentionally walk this path with Jesus. It is the very least we can do for our Savior and our God!
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