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Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. (Luke 6:16)
Hello Friends! As this writing, it is Friday! Those who are happy say, Yay! (In a loud voice). If you're not, say, Yay. (In a soft voice). Either way, it's a gift from God for you and me to be alive and whatever awaits us on this day, we can face and overcome through Jesus Who gives us strength!
Today's BONUS ConCafe, is about Those Who said Yes to Jesus. We will study the Twelve and then add in some of the women who followed Jesus. I wanted to share this devotional since Maundy Thursday since our church did something new for them. We started worship at 6 and I had set up two tables, covered in a black cloth. Twelve chairs were placed around it, so families could come as a group and be served, or as many who wanted, could sit around the table. Each place had a card face down on it, and each was the name, traditional symbol, and brief narrative of each disciple. We had marked the Judas card with a small x so that if we saw a child sit in that space we would quickly exchange cards. I explained there was nothing associated with drawing any of the cards, especially the Judas card, other than for you to know the names and some of the history and legends of each of the 12, but I did want all to ask the question, "Is it I?" My wife, Nellie, drew the Judas card though she prayed she would get it so that no one else get it at her table. And one person was shocked, from a later table that she had drawn the Judas card. It means absolutely nothing, unless I say, you plan to betray Jesus; and I added, we betray Jesus all the time in ways that we don't plan. So, whether you drew the Judas card or not, our call is to be faithful to Jesus all the time!
The image above shows one traditional painting of the Last Supper; guess which disciple, holding a bag of money, does NOT have a halo? Yup. Judas Iscariot. His surname means he was from the village of Kerioth, a village south of Hebron. That makes Judas the only disciple not from Galilee. The name “Iscariot” probably comes from the Hebrew “Ishkeriyyoth” or “man of the village of Keriyyoth.”
We read in John 6:15 that a movement started to make Jesus king of Israel by force. It is believed that Judas was a Zealot, one who believed that a revolt over Rome was necessary and saw in Jesus the power and potential to win such an uprising. As Jesus' ministry moved away from such a reality, it is believed Judas did what he did to call Jesus' hand and force such a revolt to begin. But we also know that not all of his motives were good. When John's Gospel has Jesus anointed by Mary of Bethany, Judas say it was a waste of good money, saying it could be sold for 300 denarii, and the proceeds given to the poor. John comments that Judas really wanted the money for himself, since he was the treasurer or money-handler for the 12. Please keep in mind this is something that says he was trusted initially, to handle the money.
As the ministry draws to a close, at the Last Supper Jesus makes it clear that someone is to betray Him which caused the 12 to ask the question "Is it I?" John's account found in John 13:18-30 shows the drama involved in this, and explains that John sat at Jesus' right possibly because he was the youngest and had to ask the traditional question of "Why is this night different from any other night?" and that Judas Iscariot occupied the seat of honor. It was the guest of honor's privilege to get the bread dipped in the sop first, thus Jesus indicates who was to betray Him. Judas leaves to do his deed, and had the others known they would have prevented it.
We believe Judas did not want Jesus crucified. Once he discovered that was the intention of the Pharisees and the Council, he tried to return the money. But it was too late.
The greatest thing said about Judas was the Church father, Origen who suggested that, "when Judas realized what he had done, he rushed to commit suicide in order that he might meet Jesus in Hades, the world of the dead, and there with bared soul implore his Lord's forgiveness." (Sermons on Matthew, 35).
It is William Barclay who closes today's devotional with how he closes his chapter on Judas: "When we feel ourselves mercilessly condemning Judas Iscariot because he betrayed his Lord, let us remember that Jesus once said, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone." (John 8:7) The Master's Men: Ordinary Humans Made Great by the Transforming Power of Christ.
PRAYER; Loving God, may my life be one who affirms and shares You. My heart's desire is for service and faithfulness; may You strengthen me for such. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Betray yourself today as a Follower of Jesus!
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUESTS: Please pray for Barbara Brandon, who underwent successful shoulder surgery yesterday and is home recovering. Pray for one another and pray for your church as preparations continue for Sunday's worship services! Find time to worship the Lord this weekend!
