"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."
Are there people in your life who are difficult to call "friends"?
Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation
at 8:39 AM CDT
