Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

TEXT: A dispute arose among them as to which of them
was to be regarded as the greatest (Luke 22:24).

Read John 13:1-19.

Here in the upper room is an amazing contrast. Jesus is
totally focused on His followers, but all they can think
about is themselves. While He is busy reaching out to
Judas, teaching each of them about His coming suffering
and death for our salvation, and giving them His own
body and blood in a new and wonderful testament, all
they can think about is their own honor, and which of
them should be considered greatest by others.

How often are we so preoccupied with our own honor
and glory, our reputation and well-being that we pass by
hurting people all around us?

In tomorrow's devotion we will read what Jesus said
about this dispute. But today we focus on the action He
took in response. As we just read in John's Gospel, Jesus
rose from the table without a word. He silently removed
His outer garment, wrapped Himself in a towel, then
stooped down and began to wash each of their feet like
the lowliest household servant. Peter almost prevented
Jesus from washing His feet because it seemed so
beneath Him.

But Jesus insists. And He teaches them this is not the time
for quarreling and arguing about our importance and our
fame. It's time to focus on the people around us who need
our encouragement, support and attention. More
importantly, it's time to focus on Jesus: to contemplate His
astonishing love and the tremendous sacrifice He is freely
making for us and all people.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, whenever I start to compare myself to others
and promote my own recognition and glory, please stop
me in my tracks. Remind me that You came as our Servant,
submitting like a slave, and now that You have saved me,
may I truly serve others in Your Name. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

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)

Lenten Devotion

(Jesus said) "For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined,
but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!" (Luke 22:22).

Read Mark 15:17-21.

The sin Judas is plotting is not unforgiveable, but he has spent
days plotting his betrayal. With each passing hour he pushes
Jesus further and further out of his heart.

But Jesus clings to Judas. He strives now, before the act, to stir
Judas' conscience; to help him see the horror of what he is about to
do. Better to bring him to repentance here and now, where Jesus
can assure him that he is forgiven and at peace, than wait until after
the fact when the chief priests turn a deaf ear to him
(see Matthew 27:3-4).

If Judas repents and turns from this sin, he will in no way jeopardize
God's plan of salvation. Once Jesus has prayed in the Garden of
Gethsemane, He will be willing to turn Himself over to those who
seek His life. Jesus will go to the cross and death as the Father has
determined.

The Lord can give no stronger warning than His words, "Woe to that
man by whom He is betrayed." Woe is a word that foreshadows the
agony and desolation of hell. Jesus clearly points out Judas' guilt in
choosing this course-and reveals the end of this sad road if Judas will
not repent and seek his Lord's forgiveness.

Our Savior's unfailing love is incredible. Even at the moment of the
betrayal in the garden, He will try once more to bring Judas to
repentance and faith. But in love God never forces us to repent and
believe. He holds out the free offer of grace, forgiveness and eternal
life, but He gives Judas, you and me the freedom to walk away, even
to our own eternal destruction.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, forgive my stubborn waywardness, and bring me to
repentance, faith and salvation. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)