Ultimately, sin never makes sense. It is insane. (Justin Clemente, “At the Cross,” p. 15)
Matthew 26:47-53 NRSV
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?”
[The righteous one] serves God as a son, and the [unrighteous one] as a tool. For you will certainly carry out God’s purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John [the apostle]. (C. S. Lewis, “The Problem of Pain,” p. 111)
Calvary is judo. The enemy’s own power is used to defeat him. Satan’s craftily orchestrated plot, rolled along according to plan by his agents Judas, Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas, culminated in the death of God. And this very event, Satan’s conclusion, was God’s premise. Satan’s end was God’s means. God won Satan’s captives – us – back to himself by freely dying in our place. (Peter Kreeft, “Bread and Wine,” p. 157)
O God my Father,
I read about Judas, and I see myself.
I see in me Judas’ desire for greater public success.
I find in me Judas’ inability to see that your Kingdom is not about what is outward and visible, but rather is about “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). I see Judas in me.
I read about Peter, “one of those with Jesus,” and I see myself.
I see in me Peter’s impulsiveness, acting with haste in situations or speaking words without wisdom. I, too, have acted and spoken rashly, causing great harm to others and your Kingdom. I see Peter in me.
Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy!
Holy Spirit, fill my heart and purify my motives.
Make my life a testament to the power of your saving and sanctifying grace.
Amen.
Ten Thousand Angels
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
