Betrayal
by Neil Bergmann
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After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me’ (John 13:21).
Read John 13:21–32
We can never know exactly why Judas betrayed Jesus. Perhaps Judas was greedy, and the betrayal was simply for the 30 pieces of silver. Maybe it was because Jesus wasn’t the type of political saviour who would overthrow the Roman occupiers as Judas expected. Perhaps he believed that Jesus, when confronted with arrest, would use his miraculous powers to demonstrate that he truly is the Son of God. Perhaps Judas was frightened for his own life and didn’t want to be arrested as one of Jesus’ disciples.
Whatever the reason, Jesus was aware that Judas would soon betray him. Having ensured that his disciples were as prepared as they could be for what was to come, Jesus was ready to face his accusers and see how those in power would react to an innocent man who challenged their ideas about how the world should be.
The events around Jesus’ arrest, trial and execution confirm what Jesus no doubt knew to be true – that the world is not fair, just or benign. While many public officials try to serve with honesty and fairness, our human systems of government and commerce are far from perfect. The many recent royal commissions in Australia and New Zealand have shown how self-interest, power and corruption are present in government as well as faith-based organisations.
The poor, vulnerable and marginalised continue to be mistreated and are often denied justice. It is much more comfortable to walk by on the other side of the road than it is to look at their wounds. However, where there is suffering, injustice and hurt, Jesus of the cross is there to share that suffering, to share those wounds. Jesus also asks us to go there as individuals and, particularly, together as a church. Where the world creates darkness, Christians are asked to bring the light of hope, healing and compassion.
Jesus, we don’t like to look at the wounds of a suffering world. Give us the courage to bring your light to the dark corners of our society. Amen.
Neil Bergmann is currently the chair of Lutheran Earth Care, Australia and New Zealand. After retiring, he recently completed a research Master of Theology at Flinders University, Adelaide, on eco-theology. He worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland.
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