Christian Reflection and Prayer

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)

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

(Jesus said) "But behold, the hand of him who betrays Me is
with Me on the table" (Luke 22:21).

Read Matthew 26:20-25.

From the beginning Jesus knew Judas would choose to betray
Him. For long months He has tried to break through the
betrayer's selfish greed, speaking of the dangers of the
overpowering love of money, and teaching the need to seek
first the kingdom of heaven.

But Judas' love for money has been too strong; Jesus' words
have fallen on deaf ears.

So Jesus chooses this very moment, while He sits in the upper
room surrounded by faithful disciples, to reveal His knowledge.
He chooses words which strike hard at Judas' conscience.
They are stark and chilling because they are so intensely
personal: at the very table where Jesus dined was His betrayer.
And even more He says, "His hand is with Me on the table."

Jesus appeals to this friendship even while exposing the hideous
nature of this act. Perhaps the shock of the moment will break
 through and stir Judas to repentance and faith. After all, he has
shared Jesus' food, His ministry, His prayers, and His confession
of faith. How can he be plotting to commit this-the greatest of
hypocrisies?

It is shocking that this man who had spent so much time eating,
drinking, travelling and sleeping with Jesus could turn against
Him so completely-and for such a small price. Even more
shocking is the fact that Judas is unmoved by Jesus' words.
Absorbed in his own selfish greed, he continues in his reckless
course.

How often do we ignore Jesus' loving warnings and follow our
own twisted, self-destructive desires?

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, when I travel along paths of disobedience and
defiance, turn my heart to repentance and faith that I may return
and glorify You, rather than follow Satan's road to eternal
destruction. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lent

And He (Jesus) took bread, and when He had given thanks,
He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body,
which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me. And
likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that
is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood"
(Luke 22:19-20).

Read Matthew 26:26-29.

During this Passover feast, Jesus and His disciples ate the
lamb's meat. In doing so they remembered those lambs whose
blood had been spread on the doorposts and lintels in Egypt to
cause the angel of death to pass over the houses of Israel's
firstborn.

Now Jesus takes unleavened bread from the Passover table,
and makes it a new memorial. The Son of God-God's own
Passover Lamb-miraculously joins His own body to the bread
and His own blood to the wine. As we eat the bread and wine
we receive that same body and blood that was nailed to the
cross and poured out of His wounds.

Jesus Christ gives us a very vivid reminder that He has taken
away the sins of the world through His suffering and death.
Sealed by His body and blood, we are safe and secure,
assured the angel of death will pass over us on Judgment Day.

It is a new covenant, a new binding agreement by which God
our Father promises to accept Christ's sacrifice in our place,
and to give us full forgiveness and peace for Jesus' sake. And
it is Jesus' new testament-His will which is in full force ever
since His death-giving to us forgiveness, peace and everlasting
life in God's presence.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, in the wondrous meal of Holy Communion, You
give us Your very body and blood to forgive our sins, and
reassure us of Your complete and free forgiveness. Help me
treasure this precious meal always, and to remember Your
death until You come again. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)