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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 29, 2008 Jesus Believes in You |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, February 29, 2008 by Mike Martine
Matthew 26:20-25 (New International Version)
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while
they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me."
They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I,
Lord?"
Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will
betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to
that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not
been born."
Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"
Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."
I play a game with my kids, usually when one is whining, that goes something like this…
“YOU! YOU! YOU!” I cry. “YOU THINK IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!”
(Big breath…)
“BUT WHEN WILL YOU REALIZE…
IT’S ALL ABOUT ME! ME! ME!”
Usually they laugh. Sometimes they don’t. (Hey, they live with me.)
But their friends, by the way, think I’m hilarious…
O.K., but why this “less than reverent” start to a text that’s obviously so serious?
Because Judas isn’t just betraying Jesus. He’s betraying himself.
Rob Bell, in his “NOOMA” video “Dust,” and in the book, “Velvet Elvis” speaks beautifully about the role of the rabbi in Jewish society at the time of Jesus.
He notes, quite importantly, that rabbis chose their students. Positions in the ranks of their disciples did NOT go to the “highest bidder.” Quite the contrary...
A rabbi picked his students based on his belief that they would become themselves, a rabbi. That they would become, in a sense, “enlightened,” able to bring others to faith, and to bring their own students, their own disciples, along the journey to becoming “rabbis.”
In other words, Jesus chose Peter knowing he could become a rabbi; the same with John; the same with Thomas; the same with…
With Judas?
In truth…we don’t know.
Maybe Jesus always knew Judas would be “the one.” And maybe he didn’t. Maybe all he knew was the cross was coming…and that one of those he had chosen would choose darkness and NOT light…
And Judas chose the darkness…betraying the Lord, and himself.
My prayer is that we will not choose darkness. Jesus has called US to be his disciples, and that means we can become, at least a little, like him.
My prayer is also that we will come to realize that, in betraying him, in turning from him, we are betraying ourselves.
Did you know that Jesus believes in YOU? He does. He believes in you. He believes; he KNOWS what you can become.
Our task, our job, is to believe with him…and to choose him above the temptations of this world.
Judas chose darkness…sometimes we do the same. But never forget that Jesus believes in you; is waiting for you, and wants to help you become more like him…
And, in return, become more of what God wants you to be.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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