IT’S Good Friday… so I think about… Judas.
The popular story is that Judas sold out Jesus for 30 pieces of sliver. But I believe there’s a much larger, more sinister back story.
If it was just for money, why did Judas wait 3 years to hatch his plan?
Why did he get so upset when Jesus surrendered? Judas threw the coins back at the chief priests and hanged himself.
He got what he wanted, why not just take the money and run?
Instead, I believe it’s because Judas’ plans went horribly wrong. This is not a new theory that I created.
Judas wanted to force the hand of the Messiah. The idea was to set up a situation where Jesus would have to act and call down fire from heaven to establish a new order.
Pure manipulation. Acting as if God was a plaything that could be controlled. Not trusting, not waiting on the will of God. Even if Judas did not betray Christ, the crucifixion would have happened no matter what. Nothing can stop God’s will.
We see manipulation in our families, communities, and among nations. How many times have I done the same? Perhaps even using religion for my own selfish advantage or to feed my ego. The worst part is that I, like Judas, think I’m doing good. But in the end I choose my will over God’s. Blasphemy.
How did our Lord respond, knowing full well the consequences? He washed the feet of Judas. The Son of God kneeled at the feet of a sinner.
Then with a kiss, the betrayer handed over the Lamb of God to be brutally tortured and murdered. That could have been me … if not for grace alone.
Easter is the symbolic coming of the greatest Glory of God.
Remember and repent for your sins this day. The Blood of Christ is the door to salvation and freedom.
Do not be afraid. Our Savior comes.
Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and will leave me alone; yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:31-33
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Third Millennium Man 