Today we continue our Holy Week meditation in exploring the story of Judas. We began his story yesterday.
This is a story based on the little we know about Judas and the way satan works to tempt.
Jesus can see what we call the future. It does not mean He likes it or approves it. For example, he says there will be wars. Does He approve? No. He was very clear about how we should treat our enemies.
So Jesus could see the choices available to Judas. He could see where each choice would take him. Did Judas have a choice? Yes, he did. God never takes back our free will.
Was it a part of God’s Plan to have a betrayer? Yes, He already had one. Satan, his trusted, beautiful Angel, once completely loyal to Him, had chosen to be the betrayer.
God knew satan had continued to infiltrate his humans to betray and act against each other. He knew satan would do the same against Him. He was just looking for the right human to carry out his plan.
God knew who the real enemy was. But nowhere was it assigned specifically to Judas. Satan offered it to him. He fell to temptation, but in every step he could have chosen a different path.
You are not predestined to evil. It does not matter how many people told you that.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10
You were created to be good and do good. You were given the power to choose good instead of evil. That is God’s ultimate defeat of satan — to show him over and over again His Children will choose Him, The Living God.
Now … back to Judas’ crossroads.
Judas had picked the time and place to point Jesus out to the authorities. He felt a little tingle of exhilaration as he reclined at the table with Jesus for supper.
Soon everyone would be seeing Jesus’ Power. Soon everyone would know The Kingdom had arrived. Judas saw himself leading the processional. That little Palm Sunday parade would be nothing next to this.
But then supper took a weird turn. Jesus began speaking in riddles. Judas was somewhat used to that by now, but this night seemed different.
He was talking a lot about his death. Judas had an uncomfortable moment when he wondered if Jesus was going to be killed before he could put his plan in place. That would suck, he thought.
Judas’ never intended for Jesus to be killed. He only wanted him to be put in a position where He would have to show His Power.
So Judas was genuinely puzzled about where all the death talk was coming from. Jesus had said things about being killed before, but not quite like this.
Judas actually zoned out on part of what Jesus said because he was lost in his own thoughts. But he cued back in when Jesus said someone in their group was going to betray Him.
The others were looking nervous and asking if it was them. Judas knew he had to ask too. Not to ask would make him stick out as possibly guilty.
Anyway, Judas did not see what he was planning to do as betrayal. It was for everyone’s good. He saw himself as still loyal to Jesus and the group.
Judas, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
Matthew 26:25
Jesus thus made it clear He was not forcing Judas to be a betrayer. It all hung on Judas’ Choice. Whatever Judas said would be true for him, but never for Jesus.
This was round one where Jesus was saying, “Think about who you are. Think about what you are considering doing.”
Jesus told the group that the bread He was about to give them represented His Body, which He was giving for them. It was a symbol of unity, a reminder that whatever happened, they would always be One in Him. It was Jesus’ Advance Pledge to be with them always.
Jesus gave the bread to Judas. Judas held it in his trembling hands. His eyes met Jesus’ Eyes.
Satan knew he had to act fast. He fully entered Judas’ body. Judas dropped the bread.
Jesus said, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”
John 13:27
Jesus was not telling Judas to get on with his plan. He was telling him it was urgent he decide at that moment who he would serve — Jesus or satan.
Next we will look at Judas’ choice. One crucial decision changed not only Judas’ life, but many even to this day.
Consider your choices carefully and prayerfully. You never know how many people will be affected by what you do!
“I have set before you Life and death, Blessings and curses. Now choose Life, so that you and your children may live!”Deuteronomy 30:19
