As Good Friday approaches I contemplate the last days of Jesus Christ before he was crucified. In particular this year, I have compassion for Judas, yes the Betrayer of our Lord. If he had not given Jesus up to His pursuers, someone else would have and then we would be blaming them. Was Judas a necessary part of the eternal plan? I don't know. How did he feel afterwards? (I'd love to read your comments on this.)
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. Shortly after this, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and broke bread with them, knowing in advance of the betrayal.
I wrote this poem, considering the plight of Judas Iscariot, and the guilt he must have felt.
I sink below the surface, feet down to the sand.
I stretch to reach the light above.
Gasping, but not enough air.
God help me up and free me, out of this despair."
I'd also like to share some of the words of this song How Can It Be, By Lauren Daigle which is popular right now on Christian radio.
I am guilty
Ashamed of what I've done, what I've become
These hands are dirty
I dare not lift them up to the Holy one
You plead my cause
You right my wrongs
You brake my chains
You overcome
You gave Your life
To give me mine
You say that I am free
How can it be
How can it be
I cannot leave this story on a guilt laden note of sorrow, because it does not end there! The story continues in John 13:31 to verse 35 and gives us The New Commandment...Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Jesus shows His disciples, even Judas Iscariot and Simon Peter who betrayed Him that His love was greater than the price of their betrayal. Shouldn't we do the same? Can I do that? God please help me, not for my sake, but to follow you and be a Christ example to someone who does not know Him.
I cannot leave this story on a guilt laden note of sorrow, because it does not end there! The story continues in John 13:31 to verse 35 and gives us The New Commandment...Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Jesus shows His disciples, even Judas Iscariot and Simon Peter who betrayed Him that His love was greater than the price of their betrayal. Shouldn't we do the same? Can I do that? God please help me, not for my sake, but to follow you and be a Christ example to someone who does not know Him.