SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:17-26
How sad to be so close to Jesus and to miss out on the wonderful experience of His love.
Jesus knew what was going on in Judas’ heart, and He also knew His disciples would deny knowing Him.
Yet He still wants to share this meal with them, and at this meal He washes their feet (John 13:1-17).
When Jesus speaks of how terrible it will be for His betrayer, He is not talking about revenge.
What makes betrayal so terrible is the shame, remorse and regret that crush the heart (Matthew 26:74-75, 27:3-5).
They may reach the point (as Judas does) of regretting being alive, and he takes his own life.
Betrayal is not an unforgivable sin (Peter is forgiven, even though he called down curses on himself)… but can the person forgive themselves?
Jesus washes the feet, and shares in a meal, with those who betray and deny Him; His grace includes people we would not include.
His death symbolizes how far God will go to restore His relationship (covenant) with us.
How sad for God when people are so close to Him, yet refuse to let Him in; and how sad for those who refuse to let Him in.
“‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If any of you hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with you. And you will eat with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, as far as You are concerned, the door is open, the table is prepared, You will graciously welcome anyone who will come. Help me not to neglect or ignore the wonderful experience of Your love.
I love that after they shared a meal, they sang a hymn together! Lord, I have betrayed you in many ways & I am sure that I don’t even know the extent of it. I pray that my heart will always be quick to turn back to you, and to ask forgiveness. It is comforting to know that Jesus still loved Judas, even though he knew what was coming.
Observations/Application
The betrayal. Yet all left Him.
The supper shows how Christ knows our hearts and yet He is there for us to bring ‘food’ for the soul. God gives His people strength. That strength is also found by singing His praises. He dwells among His people.
And yet, all too often I fail to stand up for Christ – to be recognized as His follower. Denial. I too am like a Peter saying by my actions that I do not know Him.
Yet He provides. He offers grace again and again as He did for Peter. ‘Feed my sheep.’ God continues to give His people strength. And today and all my tomorrows I need to go forward in that power. He provides my ‘daily bread.’
Prayer
Thank You for Your Spirit to lead and guide and encourage me along the Way. Use me this day as an instrument of Your peace.
God gives His people strength;
If we believe in His way
He’s swift to repay
All those who bare the burden of the day;
God gives His people strength.
God gives His people love;
If we but open wide our heart
He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start;
God gives His people love.
God gives His people peace;
When sorrow fills us to brim
And courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.