Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. (Matthew 26:50)
It is quite amazing how Jesus calls Judas the betrayer, friend. There is so much to learn from this part of the story of Jesus’ life. Jesus didn’t have to include the word friend when He was talking to Judas, but yet He found it necessary to include it. Jesus was telling all, that the people, things and circumstances that come our way to destroy and betray us are the very things that we need to embrace so that our life story can continue on the path set for us. This is pretty difficult to grasp when we are going through our trial. Our human nature kicks in and demands that we fight to defend ourselves and protect our life and reputation. Jesus knew that the evil that inhabited Judas was actually serving the purpose of God to redeem mankind.
Had Jesus used His power to destroy Judas, He would have gone against the process that was leading Him to the cross so that forgiveness would be granted to all mankind. When Jesus saw what was happening, He looked in the face of Judas and saw the powers motivating Him to betray Jesus, which were evil. As Jesus saw the enemy at work, He immediately understood that the hand of God was at work turning around what the devil meant for evil, for the good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
There are many situations, people and trials in our lives that we need to view in a different manner. We need to realize that if we truly belong to God, that everything we go through has the power to get us to where God needs for us to be. Calling your painful problem friend doesn’t mean you agree with it, it just means you acknowledge that God is in control and that there is no room for worry or doubt.
This takes our relationship with God to another level when we trust with abandon in such a manner. Trust Jesus and keep trusting Him because He sees the end from the beginning and knows what will be best for you!
Pastor Michael Cannatello
lazarusministry.com
