Scripture Reading(s)
Matthew 26:14-25
26:14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
26:15 and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver.
26:16 And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
26:17 On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
26:18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'”
26:19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
26:20 When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve;
26:21 and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
26:22 And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?”
26:23 He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.
26:24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”
26:25 Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”
Reflections
Those last words uttered by Judas to Jesus marked a turning point in his life that has forever left a profound impact on Christianity. Judas was a man that walked with God for 3 whole years. He bore witness to His miracles, love, forgiveness, grace and compassion. He saw Him drive out demons, rebuke false teachers and heal the sick. Yet, being exposed to all of who God was and is, his heart was hardened and full of evil and wickedness.
It is an unsettling thought to know that one who was exposed to Jesus in such a profound way, was driven to commit a sin that lead to his utter destruction. The life of Judas serves as a warning to us who have been exposed to Christ and yet choose to reject it. It is also a warning to those who might think that because they go to church and say and do all the right things that they are saved.
Brothers and sisters, it is only through genuine repentance and a renewed heart through the saving work of Jesus Christ that we can truly be saved. Our attitudes, thoughts, words, and deeds are to reflect Christ if we truly have His Holy Spirit living in our hearts. When we face hard times our hope is found in Christ’s strength. When we face good times our source of thankfulness is God Himself.
If you are one that has been exposed to the Gospel and have not yet truly made Christ your Lord and Saviour, know that Jesus Christ sees past your sin and welcomes you into His arms. He longs to truly make you one of His own. Jesus had 12 disciples, one of them however did not accept His hand of Grace and Love was therefore not a member of Christ’s family. Make it a choice to become a member of God’s family.
” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” (Revelation 22:17)
It is interesting that Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet He did not come out and call Judas the betrayer. This tells me that Jesus knew that He had to be betrayed and crucified. It was the only way. He could have easily called out Judas and the other disciples would have taken care of him, one way or another. But Jesus did not do that. So many ways Jesus could have prevented His crucifixion yet He did no such thing.
It is important to remember that Jesus chose to die for us. It was planned. It was not an accident or just a random incident. He knew he would be betrayed. He knew he would be tortured. He knew He would be humiliated. He knew would bear the weight of the world’s sin. But He chose to do it, knowing fully that He could have done otherwise if He really wanted to. But He was obedient to the Father and to the salvation of man.