Inspired by . . . Holy Week: Wednesday

Inspired by . . . Holy Week: Wednesday

21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter, therefore, motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.25 Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. It was night. (John 13:21-32NKJV)

***

By Wednesday of Holy Week, the conspiracy to kill Jesus is well underway. Judas' decision will give the religious leaders exactly what they need to make the arrest.

The last sentence in John's discourse says it all:

It was night.

There was a darkness in the heart of Judas that night. satan himself, we are told, entered into him.

Even with His foreknowledge, the betrayal of His friend must have been devastating to Jesus.

But Judas wasn't the only one. They all betrayed Him. Didn't they? Peter denied Him outright. The others all ran and hid, fearing for their lives.

They all betrayed Him in their own way. Didn't they?

Haven't we?

It is easy to look at Judas and judge him. Or look at Peter and judge him.

The truth is we have all betrayed Him in some way. All have denied Him at some point.

There is a night in all of our souls called sin.

But God.

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (Romans 5:8-10NKJV)

On Wednesday, the light begins to fade. Darker days are coming.

Will you be His disciple or will you be His executioner? There is no middle ground.

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
#TellHisStory, Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, #HeartEncouragement,
Thoughtful Thursdays, #w2wwordfilledwednesday,
Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments,
#DanceWithJesus; Imparting Grace