At the Feet of Judas

Judas has always fascinated me. The thought of being with Christ, of ministering with him, of being sent out with another disciple and seeing the miracles of lives changed because of Christ working through you - - - yet still turning away is an astounding testament to the power of the flesh. Here are just a few thoughts:

1. At the feet of Judas.

Jesus knelt down and washed the feet feet of Judas, knowing what he was thinking, planning - knowing the betrayal in his heart. What an amazing scene that must have been. Jesus at the foot of Judas. This makes me think of what real humility is, really bending your own will to that of the Father, and truly putting the dirt of others before yourself.


2. "What is that to us?"

When Judas tried to return the money to the religious leaders, they wouldn't let him. They didn't care about his remorse. His pain was nothing to them. "What is that to us?" is exactly right. Satan can prompt us all he wants. And he will. But ultimately we make the decision and it is our responsibility and on our head that all the consequences of these actions hang.

3. Hung too soon.

You would think that Judas would have been so touched by the fact that Jesus was there at his feet that he would have broken down on the spot. But when Satan gets a grip on you, it's hard to change course. What ultimately broke Judas is what breaks everyone - the specter of the cross. When he realized what his betrayal would actually cost - that it would lead to Christ hanging on the cross - he couldn't stand it. So he hung himself.

Well, not to be crass, but he should have hung around a little longer. If he'd only hung around for the resurrection then he would have experienced what Peter did: forgiveness, betrayal, power and a new purpose. His broken life would have been made new.

I am reminded that the cross was a vicious, brutal, utterly violent action that breaks me in two. But if I press through to the third day - something Judas was unable to do - then I am healed.