"The hour is at hand; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." Judas came up to Jesus and said "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. Jesus said, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray me? Do what you are here to do." Then they seized Jesus and arrested him. All of the disciples deserted him and fled.
Yet I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter, had not realized that they were hatching plots against me. (Jeremiah 11.19)
"Have you ever betrayed Jesus with a kiss? Have you ever put your faith
on hold for worldly gain? Have you ever stopped listening to your
conscience so you could justify receiving 30 pieces of silver, while still going
through the motions of prayer? Have you ever used your faith as a crutch
in order to avoid hardships? Have you ever acted friendly toward a brother
or sister then attacked them behind their back? Have you ever been a
friend to another's face but a foe to them in your heart? Examine your
heart and your conscience. See if you have never acted like I, Judas."
"Have you ever been betrayed with a kiss? Have you ever opened your heart
to a friend, brought them into your most intimate circle of friends, and then
had them turn on you and use that intimacy and friendship against you?
Have you ever had a loved one turn you over to enemies? Have you ever had
a dear friend choose worldly gain and abandon you? Examine your heart and
your mind. See if you have never been betrayed by a friend and felt to
some small degree, like I, Jesus."
How is it possible that I could have betrayed one that I love so much Lord?
How is it possible that I, person of deep faith, could have betrayed you
yourself Jesus? How can I go on after having done so?
How is it possible that a dear friend could have acted so terribly toward me
Lord? How is it possible that I thought I knew them so well yet they
betrayed me? How do I ever forgive them, or trust another again?
"This is the hour of the power of darkness, (Luke 22.53) that's how. But
stay with me and don't flee out of fear of what you have done or what has been
done to you. Remember my words: 'On the third day I shall rise again.'
You know that I have already risen. I promised I would and I did. So
remember my other promise: I shall make all things new. In the world and
in your life." (Revelation 21.5)