Monday, March 10, 2008
The Betrayal by Judas
Wow. I am amazed at today's reading. It's easy for us to think that the trials Jesus had to face were easier for him because he is the son of God but his prayer at Gethsemane clearly demonstrates that he was also in flesh and blood just like all of us. His prayer shows the fear and desperation because he knows the suffering he must face. The whipping, piercing, beating, and being nailed to the cross wasn't any easier for him. The bruises he had from the beating was real. The blood and water that spilled from his body was real. The humiliation of the son of God being crucified by his creation was real. I'm just overwhelmed by the obedience of Jesus Christ. How he can endure all that for someone like me. Someone who betrays his love by loving other things over him. His love is amazing! He would endure all the suffering and humiliation to save someone like me.
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3 comments:
Judas' betrayal has always intrigued me. How can he betray the Son of God, for a lousy 30 pieces of silver? Judas had the greatest privilege of being with Jesus for almost 3 years and had the most intimate look at the person and work of Jesus Christ? But this privilege was all in vain, when he turned against the Son of God. I suppose it's a warning for all of us that just being physically near Jesus or having witness the miracles first-hand is no guarantee that we'll automatically be faithfully to him.
Part of the sufferings of Jesus must include the pain he must have felt in his heart by his betrayal and just how bitter it must have been for him to be betrayed like he was, by the man he so cared and loved. I too am amazed at the sufferings of Jesus Christ our Lord. As the famous hymn writer, Isaac Watts wrote, "love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all." As we enter the final two weeks of Lent, let us consecrete ourselves to the Lord by denying ourselves, by picking up the cross and following him!
Posted by Pastor James
i was more intrigued by Peter's denials. Like Pastor James said, Judas was with Jesus for 3 year, witnessing His miracles and still betrayed Him. It was all in vain. But I do like to point out that Judas did it behind His back thinking that he can get away with it. But PETER denied Jesus in the presence of Jesus. Not only did he deny Him, he cursed Him to save himself. Jesus didn't say a word to confront Peter. He just looked at him. and He died for him. How many times do I deny Jesus throughout the day? If I think about that, I feel very ashamed and sad. this must've been what Peter was sorta feeling....
i suppose that Jesus dreaded the whippings and beatings and the humiliation of the crucifixion as much as anyone could have,
but i can't help thinking that more than anything, He could not endure the thought of bearing the sins of the world upon Himself.
every rotten, covetous, murderous, cruel act, thought, intention, motive, desire, every form of greed, pride, malice, and lust would be imputed to Him,
and He would have to bear the fullness of God's wrath and judgment upon Himself for every sinful act that had been committed from the beginning of humankind to the end.
He was the Son of God who was holy and righteous, who had never known sin.
who can possibly know the extent of His suffering leading up to His death!
who couldn't understand Jesus wanting "the cup to pass from Him?"
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