Monday 17 August 2026

Psalm 104:1-23

Background
Being betrayed by someone close to you is one of the worst things to happen to anyone. Knowing that someone you trusted on the deepest level has undermined or turned against you, pierces deep into the soul. Today’s reading is made even more poignant by the fact that it comes immediately after the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, taking the role of a servant.

I’ve often wondered why there needed to be a betrayer, given that Jesus was openly out and about in the city of Jerusalem and its Temple. Surely it would only have taken the most basic of surveillance techniques for the soldiers to have found out where he might be and find the opportune moment to make an arrest when there weren’t crowds about?

However, perhaps this event isn’t so much about betrayal as a narrative that demonstrates in very personal terms how the confrontation between the ways of the world and the way of Jesus was coming to a climax. It says something significant about God’s love and rejection of that love. As notes on the back of one of American priest Richard Rohr’s books puts it: "Jesus’ life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God – except by its own negative choice. In that moment of taking the bread, Judas made that choice, stepping out into the night and entering spiritual darkness."

At the crunch moment (see John 18:25-27), Peter denied knowing Jesus. The remaining disciples just melted away into the shadows. Judas was the one who fell from grace most dramatically, not because he lacked courage, but because he had either become disillusioned or because he was corrupt. Was he trying to force Jesus’ hand believing him to be the kind of militant Messiah his people anticipated, was he tempted by the money, or, as our reading suggests, was he possessed by Satan? All the 12 disciples faltered, but Judas went that one step further in rejecting the reign of God as a definite choice.

To Ponder:

• Reflect on any occasion when you have felt betrayed, or any example of betrayal from the news or fiction.
• When challenged about Jesus have you ever been tempted to deny knowing him, avoided the conversation, or openly turned away?

Prayer
‘It was night’. Darkness brings fear. Darkness disorientates and conceals. Lord, hold me in the love that casts out fear and reveals your healing presence. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Pamela Cram
Pamela worked in several circuits and ecumenical posts in Wales before retiring in the Swansea Valley, where she is involved in a non-denominational community project; a church partnership with a Welsh independent church; and action for Fairtrade.