Tuesday of Holy Week - John 13:21-33,
36-38
The opening words of today’s Gospel are: “Jesus was deeply
troubled.” Jesus was 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 told his disciples that one of them
would betray him, the disciples were aghast. They looked 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. They did not think that any of them would
betray him, but they began 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. Why did Jesus believe that one of them would
betray him?
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.
Jesus was deadly serious, however. 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,
and 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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