JUDAS.
By Sharlene Provilus
It's too bad that our intentions
get far less attention than our actions.Judas will forever be known as the betrayer—
not as the disciple who walked with Jesus,
but as the one who tripped Him up.It's funny we don't have more compassion
for someone whose story is so intimately tied
to the narrative of our salvation.
Instead, we carry mixed emotions about his character—
mostly hatred and disgust.After all, he is the one who
traded his friendship with the Father's beloved Son
for currency far less valuable.He is the one who
let the Son of God kneel, towel in hand,
and wash the very feet that would later stand
among religious leaders, plotting to take
the life of an innocent man.Jesus broke bread with the one
who caused others to nail His hands to a cross.He drank with the one
who caused water to gush from His side.He gave the keys of the kingdom
to a man more concerned about opening doors
for himself than for others.He breathed life into the mortal body
of the one who caused Him to breathe His last.Upon reflection, most of us
would rather erase this fallen disciple
from our memory.Unfortunately, Judas’s actions
are a reflection of our own intentions.
Daily we commit treason for treasures.
We forfeit time with the Father
for forgettable activities.
We commune with Christ at our convenience.
We crucify Him afresh in our hearts.But God…
Jesus is the one who loved Judas
despite his betrayal.
And His willingness to endure the cross
proves that He also loves us
despite our betrayal.How much more, then,
should we love those who betray us?
ABOUT
THESE
LINES
It’s easy to look at Judas’s life and think, Gosh, I would never do what he did! The reality is that our hearts give way to small betrayals all the time.
On Sunday mornings, we might be fully locked in—filled with the Spirit, worshiping with tears streaming and declaring, “I surrender all.” Yet by Monday, that well-intentioned plan to carry Sunday’s consuming grace has already evaporated before the close of business. On Tuesday, we try to reset, stumble again, and feel the tension of wanting to be all in but struggling to stay focused. Wednesday brings its worries. Throwback Thursday reminds us of that same heart issue we can’t seem to overcome, and instead of inviting Jesus into that space, we decide—once again—to handle it ourselves. By Friday, our minds are fried and our energy is nearly gone. Our focus on Jesus feels like a distant memory. Saturday slips by, and before we know it, Sunday comes around again.
The truth is, throughout the week, we may not have physically nailed Jesus to the cross, but we weren’t exactly worshiping at His feet either. We’re more like Judas than we care to admit. And yet, there’s hope. Jesus loved Judas despite the circumstances. He washed his feet, knowing those feet would one day walk away. He shared meals and conversations with him. He even prayed for him. It’s sobering to realize how deeply God loves us despite our lack of consistency. But this is what makes a relationship with Him so beautiful: we don’t deserve His attention or affection, yet He gives it lavishly anyway.
If God is willing to do that for you and for me, then how much more should we be quick to extend that same grace to others?
YOUR
TURN
Take a few moments this week to reflect: Where are the small betrayals in your own walk with Jesus? Is it in your time, your focus, or the way you carry your heart through the week? Write down one place where you tend to drift and invite God into that space—not with shame, but with honesty. Then, ask Him to remind you of His grace in that very place.
