Judas’ last chance

April 14, 2025

Maria Grace, John 13, Love, Passover , , , Leave a comment

Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. John 13:26 NIV

My Bible’s study notes pointed out all the typical ways a host for the  Passover would honor his guests. One in particular involved personally offering a morsel of bread or meat dipped in a juice of boiled fruit and wine. This savory and fragrant liquid represented the sweet riches of the promised land.

With that picture in mind, I reread the text to see who acted as host. Because this supper took place in someone else’s house, I had assumed the owner was the host. Looking at Jesus as the host changes everything. 

I’m stunned at our Lord’s gesture of respect toward Judas, knowing that this man would soon betray him.  Our Master had just finished intentionally but humbly washing and wiping each of the twelve disciples’ dirty feet. If that were not enough of a shocking display of grace, Jesus offers Judas one last blessing meant to break his cold and greedy heart. It’s this disciple’s last chance to recognize the evil he is about to do and back away.

But Judas ignores the significance of his teacher’s gesture of love. So Jesus dismisses him: As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So, Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (verse 27, NIV)

May I never be unresponsive or blinded to the Father’s love because of self-serving plans. Instead keep my heart soft and repentant, thankful for Your unmerited love.

What is something fresh or different you see in Scripture?

March 10, 2021

Maria 2 Corinthians 3, 2 Corinthians 5, Christian Liberty, Hebrews 13, John 13, Service , , 2 Comments

Don’t you love it when the Holy Spirit shows you something new in His Word? I have chosen two of my ‘devotional bites’ (what I call each day’s writing practice) that talk about new insights or discoveries.  The first offers a different way of thinking about Christian liberty.  And the second describes a new practice I am implementing.

Whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.  But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.  Now the Lord  is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image. 2 Corinthians 3:15-18

Taken in context, Christian freedom communicates a meaning different than most talk about. This is not a liberty to do as one pleases.  Paul is writing about being emancipated from an incorrect understanding of God’s Word. Before Jesus came, we were not at liberty to comprehend God’s plan.  It was hinted at, but ‘kept under wraps’ until the right time.

‘Freed’ from wrong conclusions, we now can grow in knowledge of Jesus by means of the Spirit. And most amazing and wonderful of all, this release or freedom from the custody of the law, as Paul explains in Galatians 3:23, means we are growing to be more like Jesus.

Grace frees us to be holy.

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(Jesus) wrapped a towel around his waist. John 13:4 NIV

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:15 that we are to live FOR the One who died and was raised FOR us. Jesus modeled what it means to center one’s life on someone else.  It’s called service.

As an illustration, Jesus put on the ‘uniform’ of a servant when He grabbed and attached that drying cloth to himself.

‘Just what is MY uniform?’ I pondered this morning.  The idea came, ‘What if I put on one of my 4 necklace crosses?’  That day-by-day deliberate act of fastening the clasp would remind me that I am Jesus’ servant, with tasks He assigns.

And for whom are these daily duties?  Jesus Himself isn’t physically here. However, we know that when we serve others, we are serving Him.

But what should we be doing? Hebrews uses the term ‘sacrifices’ to describe our service.  In Hebrews 13:15-16 the author explains that we are to praise God continuously, do good, and share with others. All and only in Jesus’ power, of course.

Wearing a cross reminds me I have a Master.