Devotion for Tuesday in Holy Week 2012
April 3, 2012 by Lillie
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. ~ John 13:21–33, 36–38
Lord, how it must have hurt Jesus to be betrayed by one He loved, yet that was all part of your plan. How it must have Him to know Peter would deny Him three times. How it hurts Jesus and You when I deny You, by my actions if not by my words. Guide me by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that proclaims my love for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jesus’ patience with Judas has always impressed me. He had always known Judas was going to betray Him, but it never let it affect how He treated Judas. It is a reminder to us. We can only control our actions, not the actions of others. We must do what is right ourselves and like Jesus be patient and kind towards others even when they aren’t towards us.
Jason,
It is amazing how Jesus loved Judas and treated him like the other disciples even though he knew Judas would betray him. We can’t attain the same level of perfection, but, you’re right that we should follow His example to the best of our ability, with the help of the Holy Spirit.