Today’s post is a bit out of order, but well worth the read! It is by my friend and best-selling author, *Lynette Sowell*. Stop by her blog and get to know her – you’ll love her!
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Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Matt. 26:48–50
I don’t know what would be worse—a betrayer acting suddenly, without suspicion, and cutting my heart deeply, or knowing someone will betray me, then watching the act occur.
I’ve often wondered about Jesus’s relationship with Judas. This disciple had traveled with Jesus and the others. They’d all sat around the same campfires, broken bread together, swapped stories about the families back home. Judas witnessed miracles and heard teaching that set the religious leaders’ teeth on edge. Of course Judas knew the prophecies about a coming Messiah, a deliverer that would liberate them. Surely Judas had started to believe—yes, this is the one!
But as we often do, I imagine Judas likely tried to make Jesus fit his own personal idea of what Messiah should be. In his mind, the Messiah ought to form an army, overthrow Roman tyranny, and restore Israel ’s national pride once again. As a zealot, Judas probably wanted these things to happen.
Then, disillusionment came. Jesus started acting very un-Messiahlike (at least in Judas’s estimation). Jesus talked about dying, and sacrifice.
Except a grain of wheat fall to the ground and die, it remains alone.
Destroy this temple and in three days, I’ll rebuild it.
A penitent woman came to him, and “wasted” (according to the disciples) a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus, and He had the nerve to not reprimand her.
And so the story goes. We shake our heads at Judas, who chose a kiss to signal that Jesus was the one to arrest. How could he have done such a thing? Yet Jesus called him friend.
But often do I allow myself to become disillusioned with God’s plan for me? When circumstances aren’t unfolding as I choose, do I fight against His Hand? Do I seek other avenues to make my own version of God’s will come to pass?
Lord, forgive me. Not for questioning, but for those times when I try to take control while You are capable of running my life and the universe without my help. Help me to trust and submit to You in spite of any perceived chaos, in spite of unanswered questions. Thank You for still calling me friend, and for giving me Your Grace.
Amen
Excellent thoughts, Lynette. I’ve not really thought about the fact that Jesus knew that I would betray Him time and again with my words, thoughts, actions. Still, He loves me. Still, He died for me.
And yes, I have been guilty of trying to fit Him into my box, my purposes for Him, instead of just letting Him be God.
God forgive me.