What would your reaction be if you opened the newspaper and saw the following headline? "There Would Be No Easter Without Judas Iscariot." Your first reaction might be one of blasphemy and how dare someone print something so untrue for everyone knows that Easter is the celebration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. Giving the credit to Judas might be considered almost as bad as believing only in the Easter Bunny.

In Matthew 26:14-16 we read, "Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him [Jesus] over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him [Jesus] over."

As you continue to read the newspaper article, you might conclude that Judas did play a major part in Christ's crucifixion, but is given very little credit. But then again, why should we mention someone such as Judas or Benedict Arnold? Is not Easter a time of new beginnings and rejoicing? Yes, but it is also a time of death and reflection.

"Oh Why?" is one of my favorite songs sung by Susie McEntire Luchsinger. Susie asks, "Why didn't He lie? Why did He have to die? Why didn't He save His own self?" She then answers these questions by saying, "I'll tell you why. He loved you and I."

The age old question, "Who killed Jesus?" now raises its ugly head. Jesus had already shared with His disciples who would betray Him. In Matthew 26:23-25 we read, "Jesus replied, 'The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.' Then Judas, the one who would betray Him, said, 'Surely not I, Rabbi?' Jesus answered, 'Yes, it is you.'"

Read verses 24, 31, 54, and 56 of the twenty-sixth chapter of Matthew to learn the answer to, "Why did Jesus have to die." Jesus said in Matthew 26:31, "This very night you will all fall away on account of Me, for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'" The writings of the prophets had to be fulfilled. (See also Isaiah 53.)

In Matthew 26:48-49 we read, "Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him.' Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi! and kissed Him." Some have called this, "The kiss of death." Jesus, however, was well aware of the treatment and ultimate death, which awaited Him. He turned to Judas and called him, "Friend." In Matthew 26:50 we read, "Jesus replied, 'Friend, do what you came for.' Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested Him."

Without the bad we would not realize the good. Without darkness light may never be appreciated or recognized. Are there similarities between Jesus and Judas' situation and our lives today? We are constantly faced with people who are often angry and self-centered. Can we change them? Did Jesus try to change Judas? Hopefully we can answer, "No," to both questions. However, our reactions can and do play a major part in how others react and treat us. Jesus called Judas, "Friend."

When the Judas' in our lives seek to kiss us, with intentions to do us harm, may we embrace them with the love of Christ. Jesus still loved Judas and we should do likewise. May we strive to obey the words of Jesus found in Luke 6:27-28. "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Amen.