Devotional 3-17-13

John 12:1-8

As the days draw closer Easter I am reminded of a book I read several years ago. The book is, “The Gospel According to Judas” and it had a subtitle that read, “come home all is forgiven!” Throughout the book the author develops a key theme and that theme is this, Judas was not the only disciple to betray Jesus and of course, he is right. Each of the disciples betrayed Jesus. They cut and ran there at the Mount of Olives. Peter did go to the courtyard while the trial was going on to be close to Jesus but even there he denied him three times.

The only difference between Judas and the other disciples as far as we know is this, the other disciples repented – they asked for forgiveness and they received it. Yes, they failed to be true to Jesus even as Judas was but they admitted their failure and began again.

The Lenten season provides us with an opportunity to examine our own journey with Jesus. There are likely times of high idealism when we are right there at the foot of the Cross. It is also likely if you are anything like me that at times we come close to losing sight of the Cross and Jesus as well. Times when we decide to go our own way and push our own agendas that we perceive to be for the good of the community.

It would seem Judas thought that if he could just guide Jesus to lovingly see things his way life would be better for one and all. Who of us has not had the idea at least once that if one in charge would listen to us we could improve the situation?

Mary the sister of Lazarus on the other hand expressed her love for Jesus in a way that honored him. Her act of love wasn’t done to make her look good. It was I believe an act of genuine love and thankfulness for the teacher from Galilee.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, open our hearts and examine our lives. Help us to look to You, o Lord, as the author and completer of our faith. Remind us who we are and whose we are not for any praise or recognition for ourselves but that others will be drawn to you. Amen.

Thom Malcolm, D Min