Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer


Lenten Devotion

And they began to question one another, which of them it
could be who was going to do this (Luke 22:23).

Read John 13:21-30.

Jesus isn't done with Judas yet. He's going to use the reaction
of the other disciples to help Judas understand the full nature
of the act he is plotting.

The disciples clearly understand Jesus' prediction that one of
them will betray Him, but they are utterly dumbfounded. The
thought had never crossed their minds that one of their number
could be capable of such a hideous act. So they begin to
question each other and ask who it is.

It is hard to imagine Judas being completely unaffected as the
reactions spread around him. He has to be asking himself,
"How does Jesus know? What is He going to do?" He can't
possibly fail to realize the great danger he now faces. Jesus
has completely turned the tables, and Judas is completely at
His mercy. What if Jesus chooses to save Himself by
betraying Judas to the other 11?

Jesus wants His traitorous disciple to know how it feels to be
betrayed. He walks Judas right to the brink of betrayal. It
should be enough to send a shudder through Judas, and a
stab of remorse and regret in his heart.

But tragically, Judas refuses to allow the Holy Spirit to bring
repentance; instead, he opens his heart wide for Satan. He
quickly takes the morsel of bread, and goes off into the night
to perform his foul deed. Every Gospel makes it clear that
during the meal none of the disciples realized Judas was the
one. Jesus was careful to shield and protect him from them,
just as Judas should have protected Jesus.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, guard my heart from such cold indifference and
unbelief. Move me to sincere repentance and faith that I may
always cling to You, my only Savior. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)