Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day three)
“Friend, do what you came for.” We can read this as if Jesus were telling Judas, as we might phrase it, “Just get this over with.” After all, here was a betrayal by a (publicly apparent) friend. But was Jesus biting the bullet here? Certainly our Lord possessed courage, toughness, and–as evidenced by the term “friend”, which he used without irony and with absolute sincerity–love. But the “let’s do this” frame of mind would necessitate his holding something in reserve in order to bring off the crowning feat of victory. That sounds satisfying, but we need a Savior, not an action hero. Jesus spoke to Judas of sacrifice, not grit. In Paul’s grand language, Jesus “emptied himself.” He didn’t bite the bullet. He took it. Do you know he did this for you?
