This series of “Thoughts for the Day” is inspired by the study series, NOTORIOUS, written by Jeff Lucas. He and Pastor Brent discuss 9 different characters from the Bible who we would possibly call rogues, scoundrels or scallywags. Each one however can teach us something of our faith.
JUDAS ISCARIOT
We have a beautiful tree in our garden called Cercis Siliquastrum, the name deriving from the Greek Kerkis “shuttle”, as the fruits look like weavers’ shuttles, and Latin Siliqua “pod” – the red pods hang mournfully from the branches, reminding us of the suicide of Judas Iscariot. The common name for this tree is the “Judas Tree.”
Judas was one of the twelve disciples. He lived for three years with the 11 others, none of whom suspected that he would betray Jesus. In fact, when the time came in that upper room, as they all shared what we now call the “Last Supper,” and Jesus spoke of one who would betray him, none of them suspected Judas.
Why did Judas betray Jesus? He thought he know what was needed from the Messiah, the one who was to set the people free. Judas wanted someone who would physically throw the Romans out, someone with military might, with fighting talk. Jesus wasn’t living up to his expectations, and so he tried to force the situation, to stir Jesus up into action. Judas tried to manage God.
But he wasn’t the only one who thought he knew what was needed. All the disciples wanted to send families and children away when they came to Jesus. Peter rebuked Jesus when he said he was to go to the cross. Martha and Mary were upset when Jesus didn’t come immediately when Lazarus had died.
We might like to think that we would not be like Judas, but do we sometimes think we know best?
Do we sometimes try to manage God?
How many times do we pray with a “shopping list”?
Jeff Lucas in this session of our Bible study says – “the sign of maturity in our faith is an acceptance of being disappointed by Jesus.”
This led to interesting conversation. My understanding is that we do not always get what we want. Jesus answers our prayers in his time, and in his way.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to remember that you are Lord, and forgive us when we bring a shopping list to you and expect immediate answers. Give us the humility and maturity to accept disappointment, and have trust in you, for you are sovereign over all. AMEN