Today’s reading is Mark 3:19, 14:3-11, 43-49.
Mark 3:19 Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Judas was one of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus. None of the disciples were perfect and each had their moments of doubt and failure. We single Judas out as the worst one because he made the ultimate mistake……betraying Jesus which lead to his death on the cross. There is no recovering from this betrayal. Why would he want to betray Jesus? In reading I was reminded that the disciples were imperfect people like you and me following a perfect leader. They did not always understand his methods because they were always letting their own selfishness get in the way. Judas was no exception.
Mark 14:3-11 John Mark shares about Mary and her total devotion to Jesus. She pours a jar of beautiful and expensive perfume on Jesus head, sacrificing what may have been her most prized possession to show her love for him. She did not hesitate. There was nothing more important to her than Jesus and it was obvious in her actions. The disciples complained about how she wasted the sacrifice and should have sold it instead to help the poor but Jesus honored her with his words and praised her actions. She had done a good deed for Him. In contrast, the next verses are about Judas planning his betrayal of Jesus to the leading priests in exchange for a monetary reward. Mary poured out all she had for Jesus while Judas greedily puts money in his pocket for handing Jesus over to his death. Had he been planning this all along or did Mary’s “frivolous” actions tip him over the edge? Something happened that caused him to stop believing in Jesus and start thinking the reward from the religious leaders was better.
Mark 14:43-49 Judas betrays Jesus with the kiss. As soon as he kissed Jesus and called him Rabbi the religious leaders moved in to attack. That was the signal they were waiting for and they moved in quickly. It was done, no turning back for Judas. But Jesus knew all this was going to happen. He told the disciples that one of them would betray him, and they all denied it.
It is not for me to judge how Judas is spending eternity. It does cause me to reflect on my own free will and if I have ever “betrayed” Jesus. I have chosen my own way many times over the decision to be obedient to Christ…in my relationships, with my money, with my time. Those are small betrayals in comparison to completely turning my back on him but they are still a choice to do my own thing rather than what Jesus suggests. Each betrayal takes me farther from His love and care for me and closer to the trappings of this world. Am I lavishly pouring out my very best for Jesus or hanging on greedily to the rewards of this world?
Shelly