Sunday 12th March
Read John 6:67-71
“‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’
70 Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)” (NIVUK)
There is no pride allowed in declaring oneself for Jesus. Peter has announced with boldness, and perhaps a little fear, who he believes Jesus to be – and he was right. It is a high point in their understanding of who they walked the earth with. And it is at this moment, at this high point, that Jesus pronounces one of them to be a devil. There is no pride allowed in walking with Jesus, no complacency at all. The only safe path is one of complete humility, mistrusting one’s own motives at all times, expecting our Master’s return at any moment. It is a warning to heed. John Chrysostom captures the warning intended by Jesus clearly.
“Hearing therefore these things, learn we always to be sober and to watch. For if when he who was reckoned among that holy band, who had enjoyed so great a gift, who had wrought miracles, (for he too was with the others who were sent to raise the dead and to heal lepers,) if when he was seized by the dreadful disease of covetousness, and betrayed his Master, neither the favours, nor the gifts, nor the being with Christ, nor the attendance on Him, nor the washing the feet, nor the sharing His table, nor the bearing the bag, availed him, if these things rather served to help on his punishment, let us also fear lest we ever through covetousness imitate Judas. Thou betrayest not Christ. But when you neglect the poor man wasting with hunger, or perishing with cold, that man draws upon you the same condemnation.” (Chrysostom – Homily 47 on the Gospel of John) (New Advent (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1701027.htm)).
The narrative of betrayal is the greatest mark of Jesus’ meekness and majesty. Knowing all things, knowing what is in men’s hearts, and knowing who it was who would betray him – he did not simply point him out, and shame him publicly, but sought to let him know that he knew. That he may yet turn aside from his pursuit of short-term gain. It is gracious beyond all measure. It encourages us to never presume upon that grace – but to reflect on it daily with thankfulness lest we too go down that path.
