Betrayal is perhaps one of the most devastating things that can happen in a human heart. There has not been a human heart created that has not experienced the pain of betrayal. It can come at any moment, with no warning and has direct effect on our relationships sometimes with devastating results. The closer the relationship, the more crushing the effect. Being a Christian does not protect us from the act of betrayal. It will not soften the blow or relieve the pain that is involved. Until Jesus returns, we will all face the inevitability of being betrayed. Whether intentional or unintentional, the result is the same, a broken spirit.

I saw something on social media the other day that caught my attention and started the thinking process I’m going to share with you. It was a quote that said “Love is being able to sit at the same table with your Judas.” The sentiment is well meaning and well intentioned. It suggests the implementation of a proper response to betrayal as a believer. But, does it really get to the depth of the matter? Does it really show the ultimate, biblical based reaction to betrayal? While sitting at the table with your Judas, either figuratively or literally, takes courage, does it portray the heart of God to the fullest? While it requires effort on your part do do so, does it fulfill the description of love The Word of God sets before us? Does it paint the true portrait of Agape love? I propose to you that it is one thing to sit at the table with your Judas, and an entirely different thing to wash the feet of your Judas.

Let’s look at the incident that started it all. John 13 gives us the ability to really understand the meaning of that statement. Jesus and the disciples are having their last Passover meal together. Verse 1 says that Jesus knew this was the time; the cross was just hours away. He also knew his betrayal was coming. He knew that satan had entered the heart of Judas and that there was no going back. Even in this moment, he never exposed Judas. From the time he called Judas to follow him, he knew that Judas would betray him, and yet, he treated him no differently than the others. He taught him the same way, sent him to out to spread the gospel just like the others. in essence, he loved him just like the others. It says in verse 1 that “loving them, he loved them to the end.” That included Judas. What that means is that up to and even after the kiss of betrayal, Jesus was still offering redemption to Judas. Jesus needed the disciples, including Judas to see the depth of the Father’s love. So, being led by Holy Spirit, he washed their feet, including the feet of his betrayer. It was a humiliating task, given to only the lowest servant in the household. As he finished, he said he was doing this as an example that they were to follow. What Jesus was modeling for them was proper the Christian response of Agape love, that included betrayal.

What Jesus did exemplified three major traits that a New Testament believer would show. First, it was an act of humility. If the Son of God could humble himself in such a manner as washing the feet of the disciples, how much more should they be able to humble themselves in the face of human failure towards them? They would remember how he washed the feet of his betrayer, and know they could do no less. Next, it was an act of forgiveness. He was symbolically washing away the act of betrayal before it ever took place. He was doing symbolically with water what his blood would so powerfully do in just a few short hours. It was also a living example of Agape love. He was saying “ no matter what you do or say from this point on, I will love you regardless, there is always a path back to me.” He was telling Judas that even if you go through with this, I’ll forgive because I love you.

So, how does this relate to us? How does it help us deal with our betrayal? It’s to show us that because the same spirit that allowed Jesus to react how he did dwells in us, we are capable of achieving the same results. Jesus did not suggest we do this, he commanded us to do this. It may not be literally washing your betrayers feet, or it may, what it does mean is that we are to exhibit the same humility, forgiveness and love that Jesus did to Judas.

As with everything, we have a choice. We can choose to hang on to thoughts and attitudes that will continue to dominate our lives physically as well as spiritually. We can even choose to sit at the table with Judas, which is simply an act of tolerance. We acknowledge their existence, grant them a measure of grace but can still harbor the feelings of hurt and abandonment and betrayal. Or, we can walk in humility, forgiveness and love that Jesus wants us to exhibit. It’s more than tolerance, it is accepting your betrayer, allowing them a path back to the father.

This is the path that keeps you kingdom focused and able to complete your assignment and mandate. Is it easy? No, it wasn’t easy for Jesus either. It will take every ounce of grace and mercy that you have had extended to you to accomplish it. But, in the end, hearing “well done” will make it worth it all.