In today's message we see Judas bringing a group of people sent from the religious leaders to arrest Jesus. Judas had a prearranged sign that he would use to point out Jesus to those that would arrest him. The sign would be whomever Judas kissed would be Jesus, thus signaling the people to arrest Jesus. As we look back in biblical history, we see that a kiss was a sign of deception i.e. Jacobs seeking of his brother Esau's birthright and blessing, the kiss was part of the deception.
Have any of you ever felt betrayed by someone that you thought loved you and had your back?
When I young and began my first job, I believed everybody to be my friend. I entrusted my feelings about my job to a person whom I worked with and thought to be a friend. The next day upon arriving to work I was called into the bosses office and had everything repeated to me that I had told this person of trust. From this point on and until this very day, this event has had a part in doubting whom I can truly trust.
In today's Lent message, we see what happens when we see Judas doing what he thinks is best without trusting in Jesus to do what was right. Instead of waiting for Jesus to fulfill God's purpose for him, Judas grew impatient and decided to press the issue. This rush to Judgement even occurred again when Judas committed suicide, before he could ask Jesus for forgiveness. Even though he repented, Judas killed himself before Jesus could forgive him. Can we assume that Jesus would have forgiven him? We know that Jesus said the the following to his Father, while on the cross: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do".
If I had the opportunity today to encounter the person who betrayed my trust at that first job, I would ask for their forgiveness for the time that I have spent in anger and pain over this betrayal. I would also express the fact that I forgive them and move on through my life with a much happier and cleaner soul. Brothers and Sisters, have you been betrayed and is this betrayal causing pain in your life? My prayer for you is that you place this pain and distrust at the foot of the cross, and move from the feeling of pain as you enter the realm of forgiveness.
Place your trust in Jesus Christ this day, and trust him in the fact that he has the plan for our lives. Be patient and don't force issues of faith and do not let your hurt from betrayal fester. Seek forgiveness and forgive your betrayer before its to late to do so.
Thanks For Calling Me As Your Pastor
Tim.
Today's Scripture Readings
Matthew 26: 47-50
Genesis 27: 18-29
Matthew 27: 3
Matthew 26: 24, 25
John 13:27
Matthew 27: 3-5
Luke 23: 34
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