“Et tu, Brute?” Is Probably one of the most recognizable phrases from Literature. Latin for, “Even you Brutus?”, it’s from the play “Julius Caesar” written by William Shakespeare. They are the words Caesar utters while being stabbed to death, seeing his friend Brutus among the murderers. Sadly, no one is immune to the sting of betrayal, not even Jesus who was doubled crossed with a kiss.
Judas Iscariot was one whom Christ loved. One in Jesus’ inner circle. Yet not only did he betray Christ, he also betrayed the rest of the disciples. Men he ate, slept, traveled with and called friends. We all have felt the sting of betrayal and know the deep pain it causes. So we can imagine how the disciples felt at seeing their teacher, friend, and Savior being arrested as a common criminal. And knowing that this came by the hand of one who they called brother must have been a double blow. No wonder Peter took up his sword in defense of his Master. But even the brave Peter wasn’t immune from the sin of betrayal.
All of this got me thinking about the man Judas and the acts he committed. And in my pride I found myself saying, “There is no way I could ever do what Judas did!” But am I really so different from him? Is my heart truly haughty enough to believe that I am not capable of betraying the Savior I claim to love?
Our Lord and Savior knew that Judas would betray Him with a kiss. Yet He loved Judas anyway. He also knew all He would have to endure on our behalf’s. And still He came to give His life for ours. In light of His precious gift, what kind of kiss do we give Jesus? Do we go to church and with our minds say He is Lord but not with our hearts? Do we call Him King only as a way to achieve our own thrones?
When I search my own heart, I am ashamed. Because more times than I care to count, I too have displayed behavior that I know could bring nothing but pain to the One who gave everything He had for me. My actions have been nothing short of a betrayal to my Master. But He loves me anyway. He wants me anyway. And He joyfully calls me His own when I could never be worthy of Him.