Day 24: Including the double-crosser

Did you know Judas was at the Last Supper? That Jesus washed his feet in a final act of friendship and love, before Judas left the disciples to betray Jesus?

I am amazed by the love of Jesus, over and over. There is no resentment, no expectation of us being better than we are. He takes us in, forgives us, and says, "Now sin no more."

We get to choose whether or not to obey. Whether to follow his example. Whether to choose our own paths - our own gain - our own plans - and destroy our futures. He lets us decide.

But before we go, there's often one last warning, a last act of service, a final whisper: "Are you sure?" before we choose light or darkness.

Do we, like Jesus, welcome and include the person who will betray us? We ourselves will fail, whether we're like Judas, who chooses death over life, too proud to say sorry, or like Peter, who denies knowing Jesus but returns in penitence and humility. The one hangs himself. The other becomes a leader among Jesus' followers. Peter continues to proclaim grace and life ... because he has been restored after disgracing himself and disappointing his best friend. In the end, he dies for his Friend, whereasJudas died for himself = different eternal consequences.

Each of us will occasionally tell untruths, break down under pressure, and do the wrong thing. Then we must turn back to scripture for the reminder that Jesus has experienced it all: betrayal, abandonment, and - and always - offered forgiveness. 

by Jacopo Bassano (1510-92)

Jesus included Judas and Peter at the Last Supper and the foot-washing (John 13). However, Jesus did not pray the priestly prayer over Judas (John 17), because he had gone out and refused Jesus' invitation to rethink his selfish plans. When I make mistakes, I want to be like Peter.

Going a step further, can you (and I) extend the same forgiveness to those who betray us? I'm thinking that's a pretty hard thing to do - and one of the most awesome qualities of God-among-us.

Read more:
*He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:3-6 NEV

*Jesus Christ, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness, and being found in human form. Philippians 2:6-7 NLTMoravian Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, we offer, in stunned humility, our gratitude and praise for your complete act of sacrifice. You gave yourself even for sinners like us. Truly, you are the Son of God. Amen.

Lent Day 38: Almost there

At this point in Passion week, Jesus knows he's headed for the cross. He has another day. What will he tell his disciples? How will he say good-bye and see you again? What kind of organization will he set up so his followers stay on track in the Kingdom of God?

The final chapters of John summarize the interactions between Jesus and his disciples. How tender he is! How grace-filled. Even Judas seems to have the chance to change his course ... until he commits to betrayal.

There's no frantic micromanagement in Jesus' last days before the cross. No: "Let's get this perfect, guys! We're making history here, so let me make sure everything is A-1 for the Passover performance. Hey, you sit there. ... Hmmm, I think we should have a blue towel, not the one the host brought..." (You get the picture.)

Sometimes we fuss over details because the outcome and the moment is so special. What if we took Jesus cue of being fully present, reviewing what we know about God (His life-giving grace and goodness), while preparing others for challenges and difficulties. Jesus acknowledged (warned of) failure, abandonment, and broken trust. But he didn't attack or demean Peter or Judas or the disciples. After all, he was going to the cross for their brokenness and weaknesses, alongside everyone else's.

When I'm tempted to huff and puff, to stress out, and to juggle details so I can control the presentation, I need to remember the "in-the-moment, with-you-always" Jesus. Eating. Drinking. Communing. Teaching. Loving. Praying.

• with death on the horizon
• with the cross at the end of the path
• with the pretense of "all is well" by those around him
• with his reputation about to shatter through accusations by hateful leaders

 "For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross," wrote an early Christian (Hebr. 12:2).

What joy would help you to endure what is before you this week? This season? This year?

Read more:
*If the godly give in to the wicked, it's like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. Proverbs 25:26 NLT

*The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Psalm 50:1 NLT

*Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

*See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking. Hebrews 12:25 NLT

Moravian Prayer: God of light, promise, and hope, may we hear your voice calling us again, as if for the first time. May the stories of this holy week dare us to take part anew in the unfolding drama of your love. Amen.