Tag: Judas
Demonstration of love
Scripture reading for April 23: John 13
“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” John 13:1-5
As Jesus Christ came to the final hours of His time on earth, He wanted to impress on His disciples His love for them and His command to love others by selfless serving. Jesus knew this was the final hour and He would soon depart and leave them. He knew that one of His disciples, Judas, had already betrayed Him for money. As an example to them all, Jesus took off His outer garments and put a towel around his waist and began to wash the feet of His disciples. This was not His place or responsibility according to the tradition of the Jews. This job belonged to the lowest of servants or slaves.
When we think deeply about this story, we realize that Jesus washed the feet of Judas as well that night and offered Judas mercy and intercession in this act. He announced shortly after, during the Passover meal, that one of His disciples would betray Him. This troubled His disciples and caused them to examine themselves and one, John, asked, “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:25) In response, Jesus said it was the one to whom He gave a morsel of bread dipped in the cup. He gave it to Judas. It was at this point that Satan entered Judas and he left to complete the betrayal.
This story is often used at Holy Communion, a meal of remembrance and thanksgiving, to help us as followers of Jesus Christ to examine ourselves and our own hearts. Are we humbly serving others and following Jesus, who laid down His body and blood for us? Do we harbor any betrayal of our Lord?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your demonstrated love for Your disciples and people. As I remember Jesus’ sacrificial love and service for me, a sinner, I am thankful and humbled. Deliver me from deception and the delusion of Satan. Use me to wash others feet or serve them as Jesus demonstrated. Amen.
The wounds of betrayal!
Scripture reading for June 14th: Psalms 55-59
Friendship is a precious thing. A friend is someone you can trust and confide in. They know you for who you really are and often love you in spite of what they see. They stick with you through thick and thin. They are there for you when you need them and you can count on them to be honest with you. Friendships take time to develop and close friends are rare and precious!
King David was deeply troubled and in anguish over a betrayal. We are not told for sure who this close friend was that betrayed him, but some commentators think it might have been Ahithophel who sided with Absalom against David. (2nd Samuel 15:12) He wanted to take the wings of a dove and fly away to a secluded place to rest from the storm that he was experiencing. (Psalm 55:6) It would have been more understandable if it was an enemy who had insulted him and turned against him, but it was his close friend. It was a man with whom he had enjoyed sweet fellowship in the presence of God at the temple. (Psalm 55:13-14) He called on the Lord for help and intervention in this very troubling time.
Jesus Christ also went through betrayal. Judas betrayed his own teacher, rabbi, and friend. He enjoyed sweet fellowship with Jesus even at the last supper. Jesus reached out to this one who would betray him and sought to win him over. (John 13:19-26) In a sense, all the disciples betrayed Jesus by denying that they knew Him and running away. In this psalm we get a glimpse into the heart of our Savior and friend of how he might feel when we betray his love.
The good news today is that our Savior did not take flight with the wings of a dove! He could have called on legions of angels to rescue Him. (Matthew 26:53) Instead, He bore our betrayals, sin, and rebellion and loved us so much as to die in our place! Take time today to ask for His mercy and forgiveness of your betrayals. Invite Him to be you special friend who will stick closer than a brother! Enjoy sweet fellowship with one who will never betray you!