Scripture is silent about the activities of Jesus on the Wednesday of Holy Week. We know he had returned to Bethany, probably to the home of his friends. Jesus was certainly aware of what was coming, aware of the machinations being put into place against him. But on this day, he is with friends, quietly preparing for Passover and all it will bring.
We also know also that Judas was busily planning his wretched betrayal of Jesus. In fact, the message of Judas is a harsh, hard-to-watch lesson in self-destruction. In the end, Judas eloquently declares that sin does not pay, as he dashes down the pieces of silver before the priests and then goes out and hangs himself.
This sermon is lived by Judas in the last hours of his life, and it is an example to us of wasted opportunity, wasted influence, and wasted eternity.
“Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.” Matthew 27:3
Few indeed have had the opportunities Judas had. He was with Jesus and heard Him preach. Judas was at the side of Jesus for three years. He heard Jesus pray as no one had prayed before. Judas heard God the Father speak from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son.”
When Jesus took the loaves and fishes and fed the multitudes, Judas was there. When Jesus healed the sick and opened the eyes of the blind, he was there. When Jesus healed the lepers and unstopped the ears of the deaf, and settled the tempest and raised the dead, Judas was there. Yet, Judas died without Christ as much as any heathen.
Judas could have been another Simon Peter, a great evangelist, telling the story of Christ and winning thousands to the Lord. He could have written one of the books of the New Testament. He possessed a quick mind, as we know he was the treasurer for the disciples. Yet, the only thing he left behind is this glaring example of wasted potential.
Not only did Judas waste his opportunity and his influence, but he also wasted his eternity. The Scriptures tell us that one day Jesus will be seated upon a throne. Around Him will be the twelve apostles judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And think of it my friend; Judas might have occupied one of those thrones. But instead, he wasted his eternity.
On this day of silence and preparation, we should each inquire of God how we might better develop the gifts and blessings God has put in our path, in order to glorify Him. How can we make the best use of our opportunities, our influence - for all eternity?
My first reaction is to say, "But, wait, I'm no Judas! I love the Lord!" And I'm thankful it is so! But, am I truly seeking to use this life He has given me for Him? Are my priorities driven by self, or by sacrifice?
Life, my beloved, is God’s gift to us, and how we choose to live it is our gift back to Him. Let us seize life - life through Jesus - with joy and enthusiasm and use it to His glory.
Father in Heaven, I want to use the life You give to me to Your glory and honor. As I think about Jesus' silent preparation for the most extreme self-less act ever, and I contrast it with Judas' dark dealings in the most extremely selfish act I know, it is so clear who I want to follow. May I decrease, and Christ increase. Amen.
We also know also that Judas was busily planning his wretched betrayal of Jesus. In fact, the message of Judas is a harsh, hard-to-watch lesson in self-destruction. In the end, Judas eloquently declares that sin does not pay, as he dashes down the pieces of silver before the priests and then goes out and hangs himself.
This sermon is lived by Judas in the last hours of his life, and it is an example to us of wasted opportunity, wasted influence, and wasted eternity.
“Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.” Matthew 27:3
Few indeed have had the opportunities Judas had. He was with Jesus and heard Him preach. Judas was at the side of Jesus for three years. He heard Jesus pray as no one had prayed before. Judas heard God the Father speak from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son.”
When Jesus took the loaves and fishes and fed the multitudes, Judas was there. When Jesus healed the sick and opened the eyes of the blind, he was there. When Jesus healed the lepers and unstopped the ears of the deaf, and settled the tempest and raised the dead, Judas was there. Yet, Judas died without Christ as much as any heathen.
Judas could have been another Simon Peter, a great evangelist, telling the story of Christ and winning thousands to the Lord. He could have written one of the books of the New Testament. He possessed a quick mind, as we know he was the treasurer for the disciples. Yet, the only thing he left behind is this glaring example of wasted potential.
Not only did Judas waste his opportunity and his influence, but he also wasted his eternity. The Scriptures tell us that one day Jesus will be seated upon a throne. Around Him will be the twelve apostles judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And think of it my friend; Judas might have occupied one of those thrones. But instead, he wasted his eternity.
On this day of silence and preparation, we should each inquire of God how we might better develop the gifts and blessings God has put in our path, in order to glorify Him. How can we make the best use of our opportunities, our influence - for all eternity?
My first reaction is to say, "But, wait, I'm no Judas! I love the Lord!" And I'm thankful it is so! But, am I truly seeking to use this life He has given me for Him? Are my priorities driven by self, or by sacrifice?
Life, my beloved, is God’s gift to us, and how we choose to live it is our gift back to Him. Let us seize life - life through Jesus - with joy and enthusiasm and use it to His glory.
Father in Heaven, I want to use the life You give to me to Your glory and honor. As I think about Jesus' silent preparation for the most extreme self-less act ever, and I contrast it with Judas' dark dealings in the most extremely selfish act I know, it is so clear who I want to follow. May I decrease, and Christ increase. Amen.
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