RBWords

     The lectionary switches from the Gospel of John to the Gospel of Matthew today, perhaps to capture the tradition about Judas Iscariot and his bargain with the "chief priests" in which Judas agrees to betray Jesus for "thirty pieces of silver."  The amount is important in Matthew because of the prophecy in Zechariah 11:13 in which thirty pieces of silver is given for a rejected shepherd, and only this gospel mentions the amount!  Jesus remains always the fulfillment of the prophets and the law.  It should be noted that Judas approaches the chief priests and not the other way around.  They had been plotting and plotting and were frustrated at every turn.  Now they are handed their hearts' desire by one of Jesus' closest associates!  

     It is very difficult to know exactly why Judas betrays Jesus.  There is a very small clue  to his thinking which appears in the dramatic reaction of the apostles to Jesus' statement that one of them would betray him.  We are told that one after another says to him, "Surely it is not I, Lord!" but Judas is represented as saying, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?"  To eleven he is "Lord" but to Judas he is "Rabbi."  The first title shows faith that the other does not.  But we are left in mystery as to why he lost faith in Jesus.  

     How do we react to the protest, "Surely it is not I, Lord?"  Faced with our inevitable human failings, do we lose faith?  Even Peter will be forgiven his denial of Christ.  Judas' use of the title, "Rabbi," in place of "Lord" may reflect a rationalization of his conduct by putting some "distance" in the relationship.  Who knows?  We have to account for our own faith and failures and we cannot despair.  AMEN