Luke 22:4 And Judas went to the chief priests
and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might
betray Jesus.
At
one time, I used to feel sorry for Judas because I felt that he was given an
unfair deal. However, the older I get the more that I realize that we are all
shaped by the decisions we make. Sometimes there are circumstances out with our
control, but for most of us living in the West, what we are is largely the
result of our own choosing.
Looking
at this passage (Luke 22:1-6), one quickly understands that Judas is under no
pressure to betray Jesus. The clerics don’t even lobby or search for someone to
help them; Judas turns up on his own because he has decided Christ needs to be
halted. This is why I don’t feel sorry for him – he chooses to send an innocent
man to his death and makes some money on the side. It’s a despicable act and
one through which his infamous name still conveys obscene treachery.
I
guess it’s also easy for all of us to point the finger at Judas and condemn him
for his foul deed. Perhaps the true lesson to be learned from all of this is
more of a self-reflection rather than an act of judgment. Judas’ act should
make us all question the sinful and selfish decisions that we make in our own
lives. Ultimately, as with Judas, those choices will also affect our salvation.
Questions for personal reflection
What decisions
am I presently making that negatively affect my allegiance to Christ? Do I live
to fill my own desires or do I honestly seek to serve Jesus?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we hope that we would
never betray You with our choices, or separate ourselves from You with our
deeds. Keep us from taking You for granted and help us to make better choices
that will please You each and every day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin
Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment
on today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is one of John’s latest drawings. It’s called “Carousel Pony” and
features a white hobby horse on a carousel. If you would like to view a larger
version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8114375541_4e793a998c_b.jpg
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