Matthew 26:14-16
14 Then one of the Twelve-- the one called Judas Iscariot-- went to the chief priests 15 and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
It's Spy Wednesday, the day Judas betrayed Jesus. Have you met Judas yet? It’s that person that turns their back on you in the moment when you needed them the most. The one who promised to “have your back” has bailed. The relationship that started with trust and honesty has ended in a pile of confusion and hurt. If you haven’t met Judas yet, just keep living. To be human in this broken world is to be in relationship with others that, at some point, will get complicated and difficult and messy. And today reminds us that Jesus understands those “that’s not right” places in our lives. He watched people close to him walk away from “Hosanna” and move to the land of “crucify him”. He went to bed at night with that pit in his stomach. He shed tears over what “used to be.” Bring your hurt and betrayal to Jesus and you’ll find he’s a sacred companion who will bring his healing grace to you.
Lord, I invite you into those “I don’t understand” places in my life. Help me lean into you when I feel all alone. Grant me the grace to look at what’s broken and see what you see. Open my eyes to all the ways you are coming to me through this broken mess. Keep my heart open and receptive and teachable. Guard me from becoming jaded and cynical. May your life rise up strongly in my life through the power of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.