Matthew 26:47–50 (NASB 2020):
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chiefpriests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign previously, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him.” 49 And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him
In v.50 Jesus refers to Judas who just betrayed him as friend. The Greek word used is hetaíros – properly, a companion (normally an imposter), posing to be a comrade but in reality only has his own interests in mind.
Compare that to John 15:15 where Jesus calls those that are part of the true vine friends. The Greek term used is phílos – a friend; someone dearly loved (prized) in a personal, intimate way; a trusted confidant, held dear in a close bond of personal affection.
In many evangelical churches today the “gospel” being preached is what I call pre-resurrection gospel. The just follow Jesus gospel. Life stressing you out? Follow Jesus. Your marriage is a wreck? Follow Jesus. Your finances are in need of financing? Just follow Jesus. Judas followed Jesus and yet Jesus was only “Rabbi” to him. A wise teacher. Someone he followed with his own selfish intentions in mind. This type of “gospel” has no life change.
The gospel of the Bible doesn’t leave out post-resurrection teaching. The reason for the resurrection. The only way to get grafted into the true vine as John 15 speaks of.
Yes, follow Jesus. But, the following is a response to accepting the gift of salvation and a new kife offered in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Just following Jesus isn’t enough…
