Wednesday of Easter week reminds of us of the time when Judas chose to betray Jesus. It wasn’t just this day that Judas’ heart turned against Jesus. He stole often. He questioned the work of Jesus so many times.
Why was it that Judas has such a hard time with the things of God and serving others? Tough but revealing question. Let’s examine some verses…
Ezekiel 33:21 NLT
So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money.
God knows our hearts even when we are pretending or fooling others. Remember that Jesus will call Judas out on Thursday for this betrayal. Before that Judas spoke up about the perfume that one person used to anoint Jesus’ feet.
Matthew 15:18 NLT
But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.
What we really feel and think will end up being spoken. You cannot hide it forever or hold back. That means we need to be careful what is in our hearts.
Judas was an important player in the historical true drama of Easter and Holy Week, yet it is a sad and difficult piece for those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus.
Why did Jesus choose this man to be part of his closest of followers? We question, but God knows. It might be that we need to look for these people in our lives or make sure that our hearts are close to God and not looking for ways we can steal or cheat or get something for ourselves.
May we watch and follow Jesus. May we allow God to check our hearts and use us to be a blessing to others. Choose to be honest and generous, very different than Judas ever was.
Matthew 26:14-16 NLT
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests 15 and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
May we look for ways to lift up Jesus rather than to turn away from Him. Our choices will lead others to Jesus or away from Him. The choice is ours.
Invite someone to go to church with you this Sunday. It is at Easter that people are more likely going to accept that invite to church and hear the message of life in Christ. Invite someone to come to know Jesus this holy week!
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