Both would die on trees that day. One hung on a cross; the other swung from a branch. The friendship, by all appearances, spanned over three years. They ate together, laughed together, proclaimed the kingdom together, cast out demons together, battled with Pharisees together. Heaven's King, stooping from his throne, invited the man into his inner twelve. Night and day, this man fellowshipped with his Creator.
And both died on trees that day. Both were cursed of God: "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree" (Galatians 3:13). One, betrayed; the other, betrayer. The infamous scheme included a familiar face.
After the pattern of Delilah with Samson, and Ahithopel with David, the lyric of duplicity found in Psalm 41 had to be fulfilled: "He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me" (John 13:18; Psalm 41:9). The unruly animal would kick out against his Teacher, his Benefactor, his Lord — while still bearing crumbs from the King's banquet in his beard.
