January 23: Accepting His Love.
HIS PERSISTENCE.
And Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come for."--Matthew 26:50
When we were airing our TV series Radical Discipleship,* based on stories about the disciples of Jesus, I received a comment from a viewer saying that he didn't believe that Jesus had consented to Judas being His disciple. But even though Jesus could read Judas's heart, He didn't reject him (see Luke 6:13). Instead He exposed him to His grace. Still, I completely understand this viewer's sentiment, as Judas may very well be the most despised man in history; his name is synonymous with heinous betrayal.
The Gospels often note the betrayal of Judas (for example, see Luke 6:16; John 12:4). Judas was the only one among the disciples who was given a specific function: to be in charge of their funds (John 13:29). Even though appearing pious, he was dishonest and used to pilfer from the money box (John 12:5, 6). He betrayed and sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). But the way Jesus treated this man is an incredible source of encouragement for me. Jesus constantly showed Judas extraordinary grace and love with a persistence that is hard to grasp. Jesus was constantly trying to win Judas back through specific acts of love. At the last supper of Jesus and His disciples, Judas was given a place of honor, close enough for Jesus to hand him a piece of bread (see John 13:26). Plus, eating with someone was understood as a mark of inclusion. And the last words of Jesus to Judas really touch my heart. Judas was leading the chief priests, the elders of the people, and the crowd to the place where Jesus was, so that they could apprehend Him; Judas gave them a sign: a kiss (see Matthew 26:47, 48). Jesus let Judas kiss Him (verse 49), then said to him, " 'Friend, do what you have come for.' Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him" (Matthew 26:50). Really? Friend? How could Jesus call Judas friend? But to the very end, Jesus exposed Judas to His love and grace. He loved him, as He loves us. He knows everything about us--even our motives and darkest secrets. His love does not depend on our goodness, and he will keep pursuing us to the very end!
My Response:________________________________________________________
* To view the series, go to https://www.Jesus 101.tv. This video series is a companion for the book Jesus 101: Radical Discipleship.
HIS PERSISTENCE.
And Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come for."--Matthew 26:50
When we were airing our TV series Radical Discipleship,* based on stories about the disciples of Jesus, I received a comment from a viewer saying that he didn't believe that Jesus had consented to Judas being His disciple. But even though Jesus could read Judas's heart, He didn't reject him (see Luke 6:13). Instead He exposed him to His grace. Still, I completely understand this viewer's sentiment, as Judas may very well be the most despised man in history; his name is synonymous with heinous betrayal.
The Gospels often note the betrayal of Judas (for example, see Luke 6:16; John 12:4). Judas was the only one among the disciples who was given a specific function: to be in charge of their funds (John 13:29). Even though appearing pious, he was dishonest and used to pilfer from the money box (John 12:5, 6). He betrayed and sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). But the way Jesus treated this man is an incredible source of encouragement for me. Jesus constantly showed Judas extraordinary grace and love with a persistence that is hard to grasp. Jesus was constantly trying to win Judas back through specific acts of love. At the last supper of Jesus and His disciples, Judas was given a place of honor, close enough for Jesus to hand him a piece of bread (see John 13:26). Plus, eating with someone was understood as a mark of inclusion. And the last words of Jesus to Judas really touch my heart. Judas was leading the chief priests, the elders of the people, and the crowd to the place where Jesus was, so that they could apprehend Him; Judas gave them a sign: a kiss (see Matthew 26:47, 48). Jesus let Judas kiss Him (verse 49), then said to him, " 'Friend, do what you have come for.' Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him" (Matthew 26:50). Really? Friend? How could Jesus call Judas friend? But to the very end, Jesus exposed Judas to His love and grace. He loved him, as He loves us. He knows everything about us--even our motives and darkest secrets. His love does not depend on our goodness, and he will keep pursuing us to the very end!
My Response:________________________________________________________
* To view the series, go to https://www.Jesus 101.tv. This video series is a companion for the book Jesus 101: Radical Discipleship.
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