"21 After saying these things, JESUS was troubled in HIS spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of "YOU WILL BETRAY ME."
22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom HE spoke.
23 One of HIS disciples, whom JESUS loved, was reclining at table at JESUS' side,
24 so Simon Peter motioned to HIM to ask JESUS of whom HE was speaking.
25 So that disciple, leaning back against JESUS, said to him, "Lord, who is it?"
26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it." So when HE had dipped the morsel, HE gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. JESUS said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."
28 Now no one at the table knew why HE said this to him.
29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, JESUS was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.
30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night."
Growing up, I used to get mad at Judas when I would here the story of how he chose money over JESUS. For all HIS earthly life JESUS had escaped the enemy, from the time HE was an infant until now. Satan was continually attempting to derail GOD's redemptive plan for mankind. JESUS did not make a mistake when selecting HIS disciples. HE knew the day would come when Judas would be overcome with his love for wealth and would facilitate the arrest, mock trial, and brutal crucifixion of JESUS.
Although JESUS knew this day was coming, it still 'troubled HIS Spirit" that one of "YOU WILL BETRAY ME"! The disciples had been with HIM through some tough times. And now came the time when one of them (Judas) would sell HIM out for money. But we perceive as evil performed by Judas had to be done in order for my salvation to be completed! For me to be granted GOD's grace, the Son of Man had to be sacrificed for my sins! HE left Heaven expressly for coming to earth to redeem me.
Why do I think I would have been any better than Judas? When JESUS said one of "YOU WILL BETRAY ME", HE could have used my name, or yours, in the sentence. HE knew HE was leaving HIS throne in Glory to come to 'this world' and all of it's iniquity to conquer death, hell, and the grave. HE knew that one of HIS chosen would surrender HIM for 30 pieces of silver, yet HE came anyway. HE knew HE would have to suffer unspeakable suffering and shame on my behalf, yet HE came anyway.
That phrase, "YOU WILL BETRAY ME", should be written about me! The times I have failed HIM in my life are too numerous to count. While it is true Judas is heralded as the one who betrayed JESUS, how many times have I lived a life outside of HIS presence? Without HIS mercy and grace, I have nothing to offer HIM.
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