Bitterness has a distinct sting, especially when it comes from false intimacy. There’s a specific pain in realizing a relationship was never genuine, leaving us hurt, vulnerable, and skeptical. It drains our joy and makes us hesitant to trust again. Jesus experienced this in the most painful way, being betrayed by one of His closest followers, Judas Iscariot.
In Matthew 26:50, Jesus’ response to Judas is surprising: “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” It’s tempting to read this as sarcasm, but Jesus’ words hold a deeper meaning. Despite Judas’ betrayal, Jesus is still offering a chance for redemption, showing that His love extends even to those who have turned against Him. The invitation to turn back to Christ never truly expires until our last breath, reminding us that Jesus remains “for” us until the end.
Judas is often seen as the ultimate failure, a man who walked alongside Jesus yet chose betrayal over salvation. But his story is more than just a cautionary tale; it’s a mirror reflecting our own hearts. We, too, can fall into the trap of using Jesus as a means to an end, rather than fully submitting to His will. Judas’ motivation might have been political ambition, disillusionment, or simple greed, but at its core, his betrayal was fueled by viewing Jesus as a tool rather than a Savior.
Judas’ act of betrayal was sealed with a kiss—a symbol of affection turned into a weapon of deceit. This false intimacy illustrates how proximity to Jesus doesn’t always equate to a genuine relationship with Him. We can be present in church, active in ministry, and familiar with Scripture, yet still be far from true faith. Judas reminds us that we can even lead in the church without fully surrendering to God.
The “cup” in Gethsemane represents the wrath of God that Jesus was willing to drink on our behalf. While Judas sought to rid himself of Jesus’ influence, Jesus embraced the ultimate sacrifice to save us. Jesus’ prayer in the garden—“Not My will, but Yours”—contrasts sharply with Judas’ final decision: “Not Your will, but mine.”
Judas’ story is a tragedy. He returned the 30 pieces of silver, realizing its emptiness, but he never found peace. His story warns us against delaying repentance and living with unfulfilled regret. Jesus’ sacrifice shows that even the darkest betrayals can be met with grace and redemption, if we turn back to Him.
In reflecting on Judas, ask yourself: Is Jesus a means to an end in your life? Are you pouring into the cup of wrath, or are you accepting the cup of grace offered through Jesus’ blood? Let this be a call to examine your heart and seek a real, intimate relationship with Christ—a relationship not marked by proximity alone but by true submission and faith.