David Swift

John 13:18-22 

18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ 19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20 Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” 21 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.” 22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.

Reflection:

The famous words “Et tu, Brute” uttered in William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar show the surprise that comes from being betrayed. Betrayal for most of us comes as a shock, especially when those who we trust end up hurting us the most. Even Jesus’ disciples had no idea who within their ranks Jesus was talking about, and definitely the extent to which the betrayal would go.

I know I have given advice to friends and loved ones at times to avoid certain people who might not have their best interests at heart. It’s easy to identify people who might hurt you and do your best to avoid them. You might also remain closed off to those around you to avoid placing your trust in anyone who could hurt or betray you. It is natural for us to protect ourselves. Now we don’t have the foresight that Jesus did, nor do we have the poise under pressure that Jesus shows in this passage, but we do have the ability to, in the face of our potential enemies, remain steadfast in how we extend the grace that Christ has extended to all of us. Whether it be at the office, on a committee, or during school, we will encounter people who have the potential to be that “enemy.” 

Jesus displays for us how to meet everyone where they are, including our enemies. Remember – Jesus fed Judas Communion and washed Judas’ feet. Radical grace and hospitality can be extended to those who pose real and perceived threats to us and our desires. Loving others as God loves us is not easy and yet through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live and love like Jesus, treating our potential Judases as we would want them to treat us. While it might be hard, it is our calling- a calling of radical love.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we seek your daily presence in the face of those whose intent is against us. We pray that you give us strength to be steadfast in our thoughts, words, and deeds and that we treat everyone as Jesus did with love and compassion.