betrayer and friend

Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.
– Mt 26: 50

Judas had just betrayed Jesus. He sold the son of God for money. He proved that he could be bought. He knew what he was doing. He know that his whole life he had built up the character to do such a thing. He kissed God. He walked up and kissed him. A kiss of betrayal. He was part of bringing death to the Son of God. He walked with him and saw everything Jesus did. He saw the miracles, he heard the teaching, he knew he was in the presence of greatness. Could there be a higher form of betrayal?

The response of Jesus?

He looks at him and says “My Friend . . . .”

In the height of betrayal, Jesus called him “friend.” What depth of grace is this? Who else could show this love and mercy? Who would call a betrayer “friend”?

I betray God on a daily basis. Maybe I don’t sell him out and kill him, but I find myself betraying God with words, thoughts, actions, and deeds. When I quiet myself I realize that I am the betrayer. Yet somehow at the height of my betrayal, he calls me “friend.”

What kind of God is this?