Last night, on the eve of Jesus death, I found myself listening to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. In the Dublin ’93 performance of “Until the End of the World,” Bono screams just before the song: “Judas, Come Out!” The song is a lyrical reflection on Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. It depicts the striking juxtaposition of intimacy and bitter betrayal in the Upper Room:
We were as close together as a bride and groom
We ate the food, we drank the wine
Everybody having a good time
Except you
You were talking about the end of the world
Lest we cast judgment too soon, Good Friday is an opportune time to reflect on our betrayal of Jesus. Like Judas, we all “kissed your lips and broke your heart.” With every sin we commit, we trade “bride and groom” intimacy with Christ for something much more fleeting. Judas traded it for a bag of silver (Matt 26:15); the chief priests traded it for the approval of men (Luke 22:2), Peter for temporary “security” (22: 54-62), the disciples for success in ministry (22:24-30), the mockers and scoffers for a sense of superiority or self-righteousness (22:63-65; 23:35-38), Pilate for the love of influence, and Herod for the love of entertainment (23:6-9).
Till sin be bitter Christ will not be sweet.
It is these sins, and billions more, that Jesus died for, for your sin and for mine. It is good to consider our sins, to name them, and confess them to Christ. In confession, we come to our senses, we return to our Christ. To hide our sin is to hide from our true identity, a deep in-authenticity. We must “join Judas” before we “join Jesus.” Identify your sin so you can identify with Christ.
Bring your betrayal to Jesus today, but bring it with hope because in the words of Thomas Watson: “Till sin be bitter Christ will not be sweet.” This Friday is good because we can bring our bad to the cross. It is bitter because our Beloved Groom had to die. Consider the bitterness of your own sin this Good Friday, but lift your eyes to the cross, where bitterness and love flow mingled down in the sweetness of Christ’s inestimable love. This is love, that a man lays down his life for his friends, even his enemies. Why did he die? Bono replies:
Love…love…love…love…love…love…
Love…love…love…love…love…love…
Love…love…love…love…