Unraveling loyalty: how the male apostles betrayed Jesus of Nazareth

Loyalty
Loyalty is a principle that influences how one relates to allied individuals and institutions and maintains commitments to them. One decides to be loyal to a person, an organization, or a cause, showing fidelity by being on their side, supporting, caring, and protecting them through thick and thin.

This loyalty can be challenged if the allied person or institution deviates from universal guidelines regarding human rights, the legal expectations of the nation, professional ethical frameworks, and the moral compass of the parties involved.

Relationships can be strengthened by concrete acts that show loyalty. However, it is essential to underline the fragility of loyalty and human perfectibility that can be seen even in very close relationships that have been present throughout life. Disloyalty can lead to a breakdown in the relationship. Still, one can also choose to repair the relationship through acknowledging the damage, dialogue, searching for justice, identifying underlying issues, and rebuilding trust.

On the other hand, breaking promises, disregarding mutual commitment, breaking the relational contract, or abandoning the person in their time of need can be understood as betrayal. This can lead to the deterioration and distancing of a relationship. An act of betrayal can cause pain and a symphony of emotions, such as sadness and anger. What follows a betrayal usually includes disappointment, resentment, and disconnection.

Jesus’ Male Disciples Betrayal
Hearing that Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus of Nazareth is common in the Christian context. Still, an exhaustive reading of the passion narratives shows that all the other male disciples betrayed and abandoned him.

“Then they went to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray. And he took Peter, James, and John with him and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. He said to them, ‘My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and watch” (Mark 14:32-33, NRSV).

The story shows that this revelation of the deep emotions that Jesus of Nazareth was experiencing did not move the compassionate hearts of his apostles. “Then he went back to where they were, and found them asleep… When he returned, he found the disciples asleep again…” (Mark 14:37, 40, DHH).

All the male disciples betrayed and abandoned Jesus of Nazareth. “All the disciples left Jesus alone and ran away” (Mark 14:50, NIV). A young slave girl allowed the disciples to declare their loyalty to Jesus of Nazareth. “Peter was down in the courtyard. Just then, one of the high priest’s servants arrived, and on seeing Peter, who was warming himself at the fire, she stared at him and said, ‘You were also with Jesus, the man from Nazareth, weren’t you?’ Peter denied it, saying, ‘I don’t know him, nor do I understand what you are talking about…’ The servant saw Peter again and began to say to the others, “This is one of them…” A little later, those who were there again said to Peter, ‘You must be one of them because you too are from Galilee.’ Then Peter began to swear solemnly, ‘I do not know the man you are talking about!’ (Mark 14:66-70, NIV).

Female’s Disciples Showed Loyalty to Jesus of Nazareth
Another curious aspect, very much in keeping with the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, is that the female disciples were with him from the beginning of his ministry until its end. “There were also some women looking on from a distance, among them Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and Joseph, and Salome. These women had followed Jesus and helped him when he was in Galilee. In addition, many others there had gone up to Jerusalem with him” (Mark 15:40-41, NRSV).

The Gospel of John states that before he arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus chose to spend time in Bethany at the residence of his esteemed friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. This family prepared a dinner for him and his disciples to celebrate this exceptional friend’s visit. At that dinner, Mary “took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, and poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (John 12: 1-8).

This act of “anointing” by his friend was significant, as it would prepare him for the most challenging and decisive week of his ministry. The fact that a woman anointed Jesus of Nazareth when a male priest usually did this reflects the intentionality and inclusivity of the new kingdom project.
According to Luke’s Gospel, this same friend, Mary, listened attentively as he shared his concerns, fears, and hopes with her. Jesus had tried to tell his closest disciples about his plan to go to Jerusalem and the danger that this visit represented for his ministry and life.

However, his male followers seemed unwilling to listen to these words, which they considered pessimistic. “They were on their way up to Jerusalem. The disciples were astonished, and those following were afraid. Again, he took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was to happen to him” (Mark 10:32-34). But the disciples refused to listen to him, even asking him to be quiet (Matthew 16:22).

In great need of someone to listen to him, “Jesus decided to go to Jerusalem… and as he was on his way with his disciples, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he said” (Luke 9:51; 10:38-41). At the end of the visit, Jesus tells Martha that her sister Mary had chosen the better part: listening to a human being who would soon experience the most critical crisis of his life. What a great privilege this woman had, ministering to Jesus of Nazareth before he left for Jerusalem! Furthermore, she was a woman who, in that context, did not count, who was not afraid to listen attentively and be in solidarity with a human being in need.

Conclusion 

In the Bible stories, one can learn by contrast or imitation. In this case, it is to follow the example that his female disciples showed by being with Jesus of Nazareth both in good times and in adversity. Today, we choose not to betray Jesus of Nazareth and his teachings by remaining committed to attitudes, paradigms, and behaviors that reflect justice, love, humility, and peace.

Hosanna. The kingdom of Jesus of Nazareth is already among us (Luke 17:21). Let us live as loyal people who belong to that kingdom of justice and goodness. Let us pray that this Easter our God will give us a new heart, infuse us with a renewed spirit, reach us with his wisdom, lift us from lethargy, take away our grief, free us from indifference, keep us from evil, accompany us in tribulations (descend into our hells), remove all spirit of vengeance, fill us with his peace and shelter us in his sovereign presence (Ezekiel 36:24-28; Psalm 86:15).