Moment of Meditation: Friend or Foe (Matthew 26:50)

''Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do" (Matthew 26:50).''

Even when Judas comes to betray Jesus, Jesus still calls him friend. This word "friend" has a twofold aspect of forgiveness.

First, Jesus gives Judas the possibility of forgiveness of his sin of betrayal. Yes, Judas had turned his back against Jesus, but Jesus stood ready to forgive him. Judas' betrayal was necessary for Jesus' death to align with the Passover. So Jesus could die at the proper time. According to the Father's plan.

Judas was not fulfilling God's will by this sin. Nor was he receiving a "Get Out of Hell Free" card. Judas stands condemned before God for betraying Jesus. But Jesus offers him forgiveness. But as we remember the story, Judas refuses Jesus' forgiveness.

Secondly, Jesus encourages the other disciples to forgive Judas. And they do forgive him. Each of the disciples has to ask themselves the question, "Am I any better?" And they have to answer, "No. I have betrayed Jesus too."

We are all Judases. We have all betrayed Jesus. But Jesus still calls us "friend" and extends His forgiving hand to us. Amen.