Saturday 22nd November
Read John 13:27-30
“As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’ 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.” (NIVUK)
Is mercy present even in Jesus’ last words to Judas? Jesus knew everything that was to transpire, perhaps even Judas’ subsequent guilt and death. Like ripping off a band-aid, unpleasant tasks are best done quickly.
What is clear in Jesus’ last words however is how fully in control of events He truly was. The decision to begin the events of that Passover was signalled by Jesus. Jesus passed him the bread, the act that cast the die. Jesus told Judas to go, doing what was finally in his heart.
All the while, ignorance and speculation reigned in the thoughts of the disciples. The personal relationship between Jesus and each and every one of us is known only to Him. This truth is repeated at the end of John’s gospel. When Peter is restored after his betrayal and told that he too will follow his Lord into death…
“Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is going to betray you?’) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’
22 Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’ 23 Because of this, the rumour spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?’” (John 21:20-23) (NIVUK).
How much ignorance and speculation do we engage in?
