Wednesday 08 April 2009
- Bible Book:
- John
"Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, 'Buy what we need for the festival'; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night." (v.29-30)
Background
Was Judas the greatest actor who ever walked on this earth orthe perfect hypocrite?
We may never know, but what is clear is that if the other discipleshad known about his intentions they would never have let him leavethe room by himself.
It is believed that during this meal Judas was sat next to Jesus,on the left hand side - the place which was saved for the mostfavoured friend. Perhaps this might be so that Jesus had one lastchance to speak to Judas in private.
Again and again Jesus had shown his affection to Judas, hoping thathe would change his mind. But this was to no avail. In the endJesus admits defeat and tells him to go and do what he must do. Thetragedy is that even though Jesus appealed to him, Judas appearedunmoved and goes out into the night.
This was love's last appeal, and the tragic drama is played out tothe end.
To Ponder
Jesus forgave Judas for his actions. How easy ordifficult is it for you to forgive those who betray you?
Jesus calls us to make choices in life. Whatchoices have you made recently that you might have regretted or mayhave hurt other people? What can you do about it now?
Whether we like it or not, Judas helped to fulfilJesus' prophecy that the Son of Man must suffer and die. How farwould you agree with this statement?