PUP ROGERS
Luke 22: 47-48
47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
I read this the other day and I can’t get over the fact that Judas is one of the bad guys in the New Testament. He is known as a thief and a traitor. He is also known as the one who betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of Silver.
Before we begin to bash Judas, I think we need to take a step back. I know that in my life I have done everything that Judas did. I have stolen from others. When I was little I remember stealing some candy, and my parents made me take it back and pay for it. We laugh and say that was because you were little. What about now as an adult? Am I guilty of stealing from others? Sadly yes. I have stolen joy and service. I have caused harm. Whether it was intentional or not it still happens.
When we talk of being a traitor, I know that I am saved but yet I still sin. I know there are times when I intentionally sin and others when I don’t mean to. As Paul says “I know what I want to do but I still don’t do it”.
As for the act of betrayal, I have to ask a question. Do I trade what I know is good and right, for the temporary and immediate? Sadly, I would say yes. That is our nature. That is not an excuse but it is what I face.
There is hope in the chaos of this life. Jesus knew that Judas would do this, and He also knew that I would struggle with these things. Yet the hope that we have is that Christ still died for us while we were yet sinners. I want to encourage you as you read this that God is bigger than the mess that we are. Yes, we are a mess, but Christ loves us.
- Pup
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