Verses: John 13 : 21 - 30
My thoughts about the verses:
I look at the role Judas played in the story in a very different light than many. Most people consider Judas to be evil or full of hate. How could someone that followed Jesus betray him? You have to understand that Judas played a key role in our salvation. It would take someone close to Jesus to give him up to the Jewish leaders. It could not be someone that didn't know Jesus. It could not be someone that had a chance meeting. It would take someone that Jesus trusted to be in his inner circle to perform such a task.
I love the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. I always felt that this was an honest portrayal of Judas. Judas loved God and the Jewish community so much that he would betray his friend. He wanted to save the Jewish way of life and he felt that the only way to do it was to turn him over. He was afraid of the notoriety Jesus was gaining. Yet, Jesus was not standing up to the Romans. Judas was like so many others that thought that the Messiah was coming to free them from the bonds of tyranny and reestablish the Kingdom of Israel. What he was missing that Jesus was freeing them from the bonds of their own evil doing.
Can you imagine what strength it had to take for Judas to go and make a deal with the leaders. This is not a weak man giving into the foolishness of the day. It wasn't the money he was seeking or status but survival. We have to remember that the story about Judas is all written from the viewpoint of those that were left behind. We are only to guess what was going on in the mind of the man who took a few weeks wages for the life of his friend.
If you look closely you will see that the disciples did not understand what Judas was about to do. It actually looks like some thought he was going to help the poor. You have to remember he carried the money for the group and this would have been something that he would have been known to do. The fact that he was chosen to betray Jesus shows something of his character. Because in reality their thoughts were right he was going to help those in need. In fact, his betrayal was needed for all of us.
Prayer:
Dear God we thank you for your willingness to die for our salvation. We ask that you allow us to learn from this lesson. That we learn that we must put others first when it comes to serving you. Help us understand that there are things that we are called to do that are not in our comfort zone. Help us overcome our own short failings so that we can be of service to you. Help us not judge others that are in service to the risen Savior. In the name of the holy one we pray. Amen
Questions:
My thoughts about the verses:
I look at the role Judas played in the story in a very different light than many. Most people consider Judas to be evil or full of hate. How could someone that followed Jesus betray him? You have to understand that Judas played a key role in our salvation. It would take someone close to Jesus to give him up to the Jewish leaders. It could not be someone that didn't know Jesus. It could not be someone that had a chance meeting. It would take someone that Jesus trusted to be in his inner circle to perform such a task.
I love the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. I always felt that this was an honest portrayal of Judas. Judas loved God and the Jewish community so much that he would betray his friend. He wanted to save the Jewish way of life and he felt that the only way to do it was to turn him over. He was afraid of the notoriety Jesus was gaining. Yet, Jesus was not standing up to the Romans. Judas was like so many others that thought that the Messiah was coming to free them from the bonds of tyranny and reestablish the Kingdom of Israel. What he was missing that Jesus was freeing them from the bonds of their own evil doing.
Can you imagine what strength it had to take for Judas to go and make a deal with the leaders. This is not a weak man giving into the foolishness of the day. It wasn't the money he was seeking or status but survival. We have to remember that the story about Judas is all written from the viewpoint of those that were left behind. We are only to guess what was going on in the mind of the man who took a few weeks wages for the life of his friend.
If you look closely you will see that the disciples did not understand what Judas was about to do. It actually looks like some thought he was going to help the poor. You have to remember he carried the money for the group and this would have been something that he would have been known to do. The fact that he was chosen to betray Jesus shows something of his character. Because in reality their thoughts were right he was going to help those in need. In fact, his betrayal was needed for all of us.
Prayer:
Dear God we thank you for your willingness to die for our salvation. We ask that you allow us to learn from this lesson. That we learn that we must put others first when it comes to serving you. Help us understand that there are things that we are called to do that are not in our comfort zone. Help us overcome our own short failings so that we can be of service to you. Help us not judge others that are in service to the risen Savior. In the name of the holy one we pray. Amen
Questions:
Are you willing to do what God has laid out for you to do? Are you willing to take chances that may help you grow stronger in Christ? What are you willing to give up helping those around you?
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