Jesus Still Addressed Judas as Friend
Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:47–50 (KJV)
“And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”
There is something deeply powerful and otherworldly in those few words: “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” Jesus was not unaware of what Judas was doing. He had already told the disciples at the Last Supper that one of them would betray Him. He had already dismissed Judas to do quickly what he was set to do.
Yet, when Judas arrives in the garden with soldiers and betrays Jesus with a kiss—an act of deep hypocrisy and disloyalty—Jesus still calls him “friend.”
This was not weakness. This was supernatural strength.
This was not passivity. This was divine purpose.
This was not sentiment. This was the very nature of God on display.
Jesus demonstrated that God’s love is not conditional upon human behavior. It is pure. It is holy. It is eternal. And this same love is available to us—not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit of God.
Romans 5:5 (KJV) declares:
“…because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
This is the supernatural love that enables you to:
- Love your enemies,
- Bless those who curse you,
- Forgive even the deepest wounds,
- And remain in peace in the presence of betrayal.
This love isn’t natural—it’s spiritual. And it is essential for those who want to walk in the fullness of the call of God.
Jesus loved Judas… and still called him friend. Can we?
In Christ, we can.
Prayer:
Father, fill me with Your Spirit. Let the supernatural love of Christ flow through me. Teach me to respond to betrayal with grace, to wounds with wisdom, and to offense with love. I want to reflect Your heart—even when it hurts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.