Christian Reflection and Prayer

(Lenten Season)

Scripture:

Read John 6:66-71.

TEXT: "Jesus answered them, 'Did I not
choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of
you is a devil'" (John 6:70).



In sadness Jesus watched the crowds
turn and walk away. Now He turns to His
twelve chosen disciples and asks if they
want to leave too. The Lord won't force them
to stay at His side; He won't force you and
me to stay either.

Peter answers, "Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life, and we
have believed, and have come to know, that
You are the Holy One of God." The Holy
Spirit led Peter to this great confession.

But Jesus knew Peter wasn't speaking for
every one of the disciples. He knew all too
well that one of them had turned away, even
though he was still standing by Jesus' side.
None of the other disciples was aware, but
Judas had secretly rejected Jesus' Kingdom
of light and allied himself with the prince of
darkness. The darkness had so deceived
Judas he thought Jesus would never know
what was in his heart.

Judas' darkness is in each of us too and can
deceive us as thoroughly as it deceived him.
On the outside we can be active in our
churches. Yet deep in our hearts we may
have grown cold to Jesus. It's so easy to go
through the motions of faith, while our hearts
turn away to the darkness like Judas.

Jesus calls us to stop and examine the depths
of our soul. Are we sincere in our faith, or are we
servants of darkness going through the motions?
It's a matter of life and death and heaven and hell
for us just as it was for Judas.

THE PRAYER:

Holy Spirit, remove all that is false and impure
from my heart, and fill me with the fire of faith in
Jesus Christ my Savior. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Lutheran Ministries