Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of
the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with
the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to
them (Luke 22:3-4).

Read Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16.

The religious authorities desperately want to get rid of Jesus,
but the huge swell of Passover pilgrims that fill the temple
courts are hanging on His every word. If they take any action
against Jesus, the crowds will rally to His defense. So they
concede they will have to wait until the Passover is finished
and the crowds return to their homes (see Matthew 26:5).

For the chief priests this is extremely frustrating-and
dangerous. Jesus is completely beyond their control. If He
steps forward during the Passover, claims Himself King, and
begins a rebellion, they will be powerless to stop it, or to
control the Roman military response to it.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a possible solution appears.
One member of Jesus' inner circle of disciples, Judas, comes
to them offering to deliver Jesus to them. Judas' faith and love
for Jesus has dried up, choked out by his lust for money
(see John 12:4-6).
The Jewish leaders are overjoyed, but cautious. They describe
the conditions they are looking for: a time when Jesus is in
the city, yet separated from the crowds.

But even while they conspire together behind closed doors,
Judas and the chief priests have no idea that Jesus is well
aware of everything; He knew it from the start. We might expect
Jesus to be furious and vindictive; instead, He loves Judas. He
prepares to reach out to this lost disciple in every way He can,
trying to touch his heart, prick his conscience, and bring him
back to faith.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Your love is amazing. Where most of us would
have been furious at Judas' plotting, Your chief concern was
bringing him back. Give me a heart that loves my enemy and
seeks to share Your salvation. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)