As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
—Proverbs 27:17
Jesus attached value to pairs: camaraderie, companionship, support.
“Calling the Twelve to him, [Jesus] sent them out two by two” (Mk 6:7).
Speaking for the twelve, Peter said to Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you” (Mt 19:27). That included Judas.
He gave all of the twelve authority to drive out demons, heal the sick, and preach that the kingdom of heaven was near (Mt 10:7–8). That included Judas
I’ve wondered which of the twelve was paired with Judas when they were sent out two by two. I wonder if he ever thought, “Judas is drifting.” Did he ever attempt to keep him from falling—or did he remain silent?
“Two are better than one . . . If one falls down, his friend can help him up” (Eccl 4:9, 10).
We need each other.