Today’s Scripture: Mark 14:43-46
43 And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. 44 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” 45 As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.
46 Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
Today’s Devotional
What would Jesus say to Judas?
I know what I would say if I was the one who was betrayed like this – but it’s not fit to print and I am a pastor after all. But still, I’m pretty sure I would not have handled it well – like at all.
But what would Jesus say? What DID Jesus say when he and Judas met again?
We don’t know how that conversation went. All we know is that it did not take place on this earth. Jesus was arrested and then crucified. Judas took his money but then felt remorse and killed himself according to Matthew. So, any interaction they would have had would have been in a different place.
Even though no one recorded that conversation I still wonder about it. I wonder because like it or not, we all have Judas characteristics in us. All of us have done some pretty stupid things in life.
So what would Jesus say to Judas – and to us?
Maybe something like this:
“I love you. I loved you before you did what you did, and I love you still. My love for you is not based on your actions. I have never stopped loving you and will never stop loving you.
You are not defined by your worst day. Your actions have consequences, of course. But you have done so much more good in the world. Your existence in the world has made it a better place.
Everything is redeemable. That’s the whole point of my coming. Nothing is beyond redemption – especially you. You are forgiven. You are loved. You are mine.”
Today’s Prayer
God thank you for Jesus. Thank you for sending him to show us your love for us. Thank you for the forgiveness and redemption that comes to us through his death and resurrection. May we live our lives fully in that love. No matter what.
Amen
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