Reflecting on Matthew 26:17-25
“But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man!” (Matthew 26:24)
Have you ever warned someone by saying ‘woe to you’?
It is not a word I would normally use, but it sounds ominous.
The lexicon says the word ‘ouai’ is an exclamation of grief.
Can you can hear the grief in Jesus when He exclaims, Oi!
This is not a threat, it is more a groan of sadness.
How many times has Jesus said ‘Oi’ about me.
Oi, Norman, you don’t want to be doing that!
“It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24)
This is also not a threat, but a sad reality.
If you do this, you will experience deep sorrow and regret.
This is exactly what happens (read Matthew 27:1-10).
Judas hangs himself, and is now as if he had not been born.
Oi, Judas!
Jesus does not shame us when we fail or fall.
He does not taunt us with our past mistakes (that is Satan).
But I do believe that the Spirit of Jesus does whisper Oi! to us.
These inner warnings may not be loud, but they are real.
I’ve sensed this at times when I was thinking unwise thoughts.
When I was contemplating unwise actions, or imaging unkind words.
Oi Norman, don’t say that, don’t do that, you will regret it!
He is not condemning me, He is lovingly, gently warning me.
I don’t know if you’ve ever sensed this.
But as a Jesus follower it is something you can experience.
Pay attention to the stirrings of conscience.
Pay attention to the misgivings that trouble your mind.
The Spirit of Jesus is in you to lead, guide, help and warn you.
Sadly for Judas, he could not get past his remorse.
But we see in Peter, who denies Jesus, that there is still grace.
Jesus warned him too, and Peter fell anyway.
But afterward, despite his remorse, he went back to Jesus.
And Jesus restored him.
Its always OK to come back to Jesus and receive his merciful love.
Lord Jesus, You are whispering to me all the time, though I do not always listen. Thank You for not giving up on me, and for the little ways that I am (ever so) slowly growing towards You.
Keep on whispering Oi to me, it shows me that You love me!