So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5
When Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, he betrayed the other disciples as well. The disciples had formed a bond as they had continually walked with Jesus. Together they had grown in insight and understanding. Together they were sent out to preach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God. Equally they had been given the authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Yes, they had become a close-knit bond of brothers – like family.
Then at their last supper with Jesus, the disciples all drank from the same cup. The cup that Jesus referred to as His blood, and the cup of the New Covenant. The disciples entered into the New Covenant – the covenant of love – by partaking of the cup of Jesus’ blood. Jesus was the focus of their covenant, but they also entered into covenant with each other as well. By extension, you and I have entered into covenant with every other Christian. We are one body, in Christ. Each of us belongs to all the others.
This is why it hurts my heart to see a pastor publicly fail, even if I didn’t know him. This is why I feel personally wounded when another Christian does or says something unChrist-like. I feel the sting of betrayal because I am in covenant relationship with them. When one part of the body is wounded, we all feel the pain.
O’Father, I lift up my brothers and sisters in the Lord. May we never betray You, or our brothers and sister in Christ. Amen!