(Jesus said) "But behold, the hand of him who betrays Me is with Me on the table" (Luke 22:21).
Read Matthew 26:20-25.
From the beginning Jesus knew Judas would choose to betray Him. For long months He has tried to break through the betrayer's selfish greed, speaking of the dangers of the overpowering love of money, and teaching the need to seek first the kingdom of heaven.
But Judas' love for money has been too strong; Jesus' words have fallen on deaf ears.
So Jesus chooses this very moment, while He sits in the upper room surrounded by faithful disciples, to reveal His knowledge. He chooses words which strike hard at Judas' conscience. They are stark and chilling because they are so intensely personal: at the very table where Jesus dined was His betrayer. And even more He says, "His hand is with Me on the table."
Jesus appeals to this friendship even while exposing the hideous nature of this act. Perhaps the shock of the moment will break through and stir Judas to repentance and faith. After all, he has shared Jesus' food, His ministry, His prayers, and His confession of faith. How can he be plotting to commit this-the greatest of hypocrisies?
It is shocking that this man who had spent so much time eating, drinking, travelling and sleeping with Jesus could turn against Him so completely-and for such a small price. Even more shocking is the fact that Judas is unmoved by Jesus' words. Absorbed in his own selfish greed, he continues in his reckless course.
How often do we ignore Jesus' loving warnings and follow our own twisted, self-destructive desires?
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, when I travel along paths of disobedience and defiance, turn my heart to repentance and faith that I may return and glorify You, rather than follow Satan's road to eternal destruction. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 34-35 Mark 3:20-35
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