Tag Archives: Judas

THE GOSPEL OF MARK – THE MYSTEERY OF GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY

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THE MYSTEERY OF GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY

17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”
20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Mark 14:17-21

Why did Jesus disclose Judas’ treachery before it happened? Was it an indication to His disciples that He was well aware of what was happening to Him? Was He showing them that all the unfolding events were part of the prophetic fingerprint of Messiah in the Old Testament? Was He giving Judas an opportunity to back out of his plan, yet knowing full well that it must be so? Although all the prophecies about Messiah would be fulfilled, that did not absolve Judas of the responsibility of his decision.

The disciples’ response to Jesus’ warning is puzzling. How could any of them be about to do something so heinous and not know it? Treachery is not something that happens by accident. The very fact that they didn’t know about it indicates their innocence, except one. He was well aware that he was already spearheading the plan but he kept quiet. What would the other disciples have done to him had they known?

Does Jesus’ conclusion indicate that for Judas, there was no possibility of repentance or forgiveness? “It would have been better for him if he had not been born.” Is He saying that Judas’ mind was so perverted and deceived that he would not understand God’s mercy in his situation? Peter was restored. Why not Judas? Was he so overwhelmed with the guilt of his action that he was driven by hopelessness to suicide?

How does one reconcile God’s will with human choice and responsibility? Scripture does not even try. This event is succinctly summarised in Acts 2:23, “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to a cross.” The sovereign God acts in human circumstances to carry out His plan by working through human choices without, in any way, detracting from human responsibility.

How does He do it? No one knows! This was the Apostle Paul’s conclusion…

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36

That God is sovereign is an indisputable fact, and we can rest in the truth of His promise…

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

In some mysterious way, God brings good out of everything, good or bad and fulfils His purpose to bring blessing and salvation out of man’s darkest moments.

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE – LET THEM BE, EVEN IN THIS

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LET THEM BE, EVEN IN THIS

“No sooner were the words out of His mouth than a crowd showed up, Judas, the one from the Twelve, in the lead. He came right up to Jesus to kiss Him. Jesus said, ‘Judas, you would betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’

“When those with Him saw what was happening, they said, ‘Master, shall we fight?’ One of them took a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.

“Jesus said, ‘Let them be. Even in this.’ Then touching the servant’s ear, He healed him.” Luke 22:47-51.

Picture the scene. A mob, led by Judas, one of Jesus’ followers, moves menacingly towards Jesus, brandishing swords and clubs. Luke does not mention who was in charge. John tells us that there were soldiers and officials from among the crowd, sent by the chief priests to arrest Him.

Instead of slinking away into the darkness among the tress, Jesus steps forward to meet them. Judas has a prearranged signal – ‘the one I kiss’ – to identify Him. A gentle rebuke from Jesus, ‘Judas, you would betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’ does not even touch his hardened heart. How bizarre that Judas would choose a greeting of affection to show the soldiers whom to grab. This was surely an idea straight from Satan whom Luke said had taken possession of him.

The disciples react in a typically human way. “Boys, let’s fight.” Their entire disciple training to be followers of Jesus and to wear the Rabbi’s yoke goes straight out of the window. What happened to “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” and, “Turn the other cheek”? They are in no apparent danger. The soldiers are only interested in Jesus.

One of the disciples, the ever-impulsive Peter, lashes out with his sword – slicing off the ear of the one nearest to him. It happens to be Malchus, a high-ranking servant of the high priest. Now there’s going to be trouble! That action immediately involves the disciples and puts them in danger of arrest along with Jesus.

In the midst of the tumult, Jesus keeps His cool and remains who He is, the Son of Man and the Son of God. He stands as God’s representative and does what His Father does – restores the man’s severed ear.

What would Malchus remember of that whole incident when he lay in bed that night? Would he ever forget the face of the man they arrested as a criminal, the man who reattached his ear and miraculously stopped the pain and bleeding, in the middle of His own crisis? Would he ever understand the words and attitude of Jesus – “‘Let them be. Even in this'”? Six simple words in a paraphrase version, but loaded with significance!

Jesus had once informed His opponents, ‘No one takes my life from me. I have the power to lay it down and I have the power to take it up again. This was given to me by my Father.’ In that statement, He pulls the rug from under His enemies’ feet. They may think that they are in charge but they cannot do a thing to Him without His Father’s permission and His submission.

His statement also clearly indicates who takes responsibility for His arrest, trial and crucifixion – all those who were implicated in the event. This is a perfect example of God’s sovereignty working together with man’s responsibility. Our little brains will never be able to work out how He did it.

It was God’s plan, devised before the foundation of the world, working perfectly to effect man’s salvation but implemented through man’s wickedness so that God’s glory – His disposition of compassion and mercy, could be put on display. Wow!

Brazen Treachery

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BRAZEN TREACHERY

Just as He was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away under guard.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed Him. The men seized Him and arrested Him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

‘Am I leading a rebellion,’ said Jesus,’ that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not attest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.’ Then everyone deserted Him and fled. (Mark 14: 43-50)

How low could Judas sink to do this treacherous deed?

The moment had come. Jesus was prepared. He had fought His battle in the garden and won. His spirit was at rest, submitted to the Father and willing to face His ordeal through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was time for the action to begin.

How terrible that it had to be one of His own who would sell Him out to the enemy. Notice how Judas did it. First of all he walked up to Jesus and called Him ‘Rabbi’. What did that mean? To every disciples, his rabbi was everything – his leader, his teacher, his mentor, his example, and his model – everything to shape him into a replica of his master. Jesus had bent all His energies to train these twelve men to be like Him, not only in their actions and behaviour but also in their very heart and attitude.

How could Judas so brazenly address Jesus as ‘Rabbi’ when his very word betrayed his hypocrisy? He had become just like the ones he now served. With a sneer and a mocking smile, he walked straight up to Jesus and kissed Him. His very action must have cut Jesus to the heart.

It was a signal for the unruly mob to grab Jesus and tie Him up like a common criminal; Jesus’ hands, which had brought healing, comfort and life to many were now bound and he was dragged off to face the hatred of the most religious of all Israel’s people! Jesus protested. Why? He did not resist arrest. He questioned their outrageous behaviour when He was at their mercy at any time. He was a public figure, teaching and preaching to the crowds, not skulking in dark corners to dodge the authorities.

They could have taken Him at any time, but they waited until He was alone with His friends and out of the public eye. He knew that the religious leaders were too cowardly to order His arrest in the daylight. It was a deed of darkness. It had to be done under cover of darkness so that, by the time the city awoke, the trial would be over and He would be condemned to die. The people would have no say, and they could do nothing about it.

What a shock it must have been for His disciples! They had chosen not to take notice of His repeated warnings. Suddenly, everything He had told them began to happen. Judas, the missing disciple that none of them even bothered to ask about, appeared out of the darkness leading a mob of ruffians. Jesus was grabbed and bound, dragged away unprotesting while they gaped in horror.

They did not wait for the inevitable. No way were they going to be arrested with Him. Without a backward look, they fled into the darkness of the olive grove while the taunts and shouts of the arresting mob grew fainter. Perhaps they stopped in the depth of the garden, breathless and trembling, wondering what it was all about and where their Master was being taken.

When they realised that they were not being targeted, they quietly retraced their steps, listening for the noisy crowd and following them into the city. Where were they taking Him? They could only guess. To the headquarters of the Sanhedrin, no doubt, or perhaps to the house of the high priest.

Their minds were in a whirl. So it was Judas after all whom Jesus had unmasked at the Passover meal. The traitor! None of them betrayed Him, but they were no better. Where were they when He needed them the most? Trembling in the darkness, leaving Him to face the mob alone.

Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Have you read my new book, Learning to be a Son – The Way to the Father’s Heart (copyright 2015, Partridge Publishing)? You’ll love it!

Available on www.amazon.com in paperback, e-book or kindle version or order directly from the publisher at www.partridgepublishing.com.

Check out my Blog site – www.learningtobeason.wordpress.com

 

 

 

A Treacherous Association

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A TREACHEROUS ASSOCIATION

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand Him over. (Mark 14: 10-11)

Mmm! So Judas was among those who jumped on the woman for wasting her perfume on Jesus, was it?  In John’s account of this or a similar story, he named him. But it is significant, isn’t it, that Judas chose this moment to leave the group and make his offer to the chief priests. Was it this incident that tipped him over the edge?

What was it with Judas that he was never really one with the rest of the disciples? Now and again the gospel writers named one or other of the disciples, apart from Peter, James and John who were the three in the forefront of the action and the conversation in the group. But Judas is not mentioned except for those times when his true nature was revealed. John said he was a thief – helping himself to money from the communal purse. One wonders why Jesus entrusted the bag to him.

On this occasion he was among those who had a lot to say about a woman who poured an entire jar of very expensive nard on Jesus’ head. Jesus openly rebuked them, defending the woman’s action with gracious words. Judas must have stung with the rebuke, especially as it exposed his callous heart. He had no sympathy for the poor. If he did, why did he not give of his own money instead of criticising her for her act of devotion to Jesus? Obviously he did not understand love like that.

What was Judas’ issue with Jesus that drove him to do such a dastardly deed to someone who had whom shown him nothing but love and friendship? What was Judas’ expectation of Jesus? Obviously he was a sympathiser with those who were anti-Rome. Like some of the other disciples, he could not wait for the day when the Romans were driven from Israel, as he and the other disciples expected from their Messiah. Their expectation was so high that they were continually squabbling among themselves about positions in Jesus’ new government.

Jesus had made it obvious that He had no connection with the current religious leaders because of their hypocrisy and double standards – so they would not have a place in Jesus’ cabinet. His disciples would feature prominently in the rulership when He took over, so he must have thought. Judas was the quiet one, not saying anything but scheming under the surface about what he wat going to do. He took no one into his confidence when he cooked up his plan to try to force Jesus’ hand.

Why did he decide to betray his Master to the ruling party? Did he really want to get rid of Him? It’s possible, since there can be no fellowship between light and darkness. Judas had an evil heart and not even his years in the company of Jesus had changed that. The more time he spent with Him, the great the rift became as Judas’ heart was exposed, time and again by the truth that fell from Jesus’ lips. Like the Pharisees, did Judas decide that the only way to silence his conscience was to shut the mouth of the one who pricked and prodded him?

Perhaps Judas was becoming frustrated that his political aspirations were not being fulfilled. Why did he decide to follow Jesus when he heard His call? Did he attach himself to the group initially, becoming interested when he listened to this man talking about the kingdom of God? Then, surprise, when Jesus chose His Twelve from among the many that followed Him, Judas found himself among the chosen ones. Did he want to be there? Perhaps, so that he could find out more about this kingdom He was proclaiming and be in on the planning and preparation to take over.

Imagine his frustration when Jesus spent not one moment scheming with His disciples on their take-over strategy. Instead, He spoke about heart attitudes and actions which hit Judas in the solar plexus, uncovering his greedy and wicked heart until he could stand it no more. This final prod, defending a worthless woman and exposing Judas’ callous attitude to a beautiful act of devotion, sent him over the top.

Off he went to the chief priests, determined to silence Jesus once and for all, or to set up the circumstances that would force Him out into the open. But, in the end, it was not Jesus but Judas that was forced to show his hand – Judas, the treacherous back-stabbing “friend”!

Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Have you read my new book, Learning to be a Son – The Way to the Father’s Heart (copyright 2015, Partridge Publishing)? You’ll love it!

Available on www.amazon.com in paperback, e-book or kindle version or order directly from the publisher at www.partridgepublishing.com.

Check out my Blog site – www.learningtobeason.wordpress.com

 

 

The Power of “I AM”

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THE POWER OF “I AM”

“When He had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and He and His disciples went into it.

“Now Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.  John 18:1-2 NIV.

Gethsemane! It was almost as though Jesus and Judas had arranged to meet there.

No doubt Jesus had not discussed His next move with His disciples. He gravitated to the olive grove after the Passover meal almost from habit. Perhaps He felt claustrophobic after sitting for hours in the smoky Upper Room. He felt the stuffy heat of the enclosed room and the events of the next few hours closing in on Him. He needed the space and the cool, refreshing night air of the garden.

Judas had made a calculated guess as to where Jesus would go. He had slipped away from the group around the supper table to buy supplies, so John thought, or even to pop something into the offering box for the poor. But why at this hour of the night? No one suspected that he had left to commit a deed so heinous that no one would credit a human being for doing it to a fellow human being, least of all to one’s own rabbi.

Judas’ real reason for leaving was to tip the high priest off about Jesus’ whereabouts. Perhaps he was lurking in the shadows when the little group made its way through the darkened streets towards the outskirts of the city. He may have followed at a distance until he was sure of Jesus’ intention and then hurried off to Caiaphas to offer his services as a guide for the arresting party.

“So Judas came into the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am He,’ Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing with them). When Jesus said, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” John 18:3-6 NIV.

Only John recorded this remarkable incident. Why was it important to him? The purpose of his gospel was to present Jesus as the Son of God. During the course of His disputes with the religious leaders, Jesus had already made it clear to them that it was He who had interacted with His people during the Old Testament era, revealing Himself to Abraham on many occasions and to Moses at the burning bush as the “I AM” and claiming the title, “I AM” in His “I Am” sayings.

But, according to John, He not only claimed the title but He also showed His enemies the power of that name. He was not merely saying, ‘I am the one you are looking for,’ but ‘”I AM”, Yahweh, the God of Israel.’ This was important because Jesus had made it clear that His crucifixion was not the choice of the religious hierarchy or the Roman government but a voluntary sacrifice planned by both the Father and the Son.

“‘I AM the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep… The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.'” John 10:14, 17-18 NIV.

Not only were His enemies to know who they were dealing with but also that they had no power to arrest Him. He would voluntarily hand Himself over to them and submit to everything they did to Him because He chose to submit, not because they had power over Him. . He could free Himself from their clutches at any time, but He didn’t because He chose to lay down His life for His sheep