Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  We are in the middle of the week of one of the most important weeks of the year.  Friday we remember the cross of Christ and Sunday His resurrection.  Here we are, and how we think of the week, the influence of Jesus and what is to come make a difference.   One of the most troubling this about the Easter story is Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus.  Yet Jesus allowed and even called Judas to be with Him.  Jesus washed His feet.  Judas experienced the most exciting and intimate parts of Jesus’ ministry just like the other disciples.   Most likely Judas was stealing as he handled the money of Jesus’ ministry.  He was often angry about the way money was used or the way people were acting around Jesus. vv The only person that really knew Judas’ motives was Jesus.  Turning to the events of the last week of Jesus’ life religious leaders used Judas to get to Jesus.   Like Judas our outlook on Jesus makes a difference.  None of us wan...

  Mid week of one of the most important weeks of the year.  Here we are, and how we think of the week, the influence of Jesus and what is to come does make a difference. One of the most troubling parts of the easter story is the fact that one of the closest people to Jesus gave Him up for a little bit of money.  We don’t know all that was in Judas’ mind at the time, but do know that he struggled with the money around the ministry of Jesus. Most likely Judas was stealing from the money box.  He was often stirred up about the way money was used or the way people were acting around Jesus. The only person that really knew Judas’ motives was Jesus.  The religious leaders used Judas. Like Judas our outlook on Jesus does make a difference.  None of us want to be equated to Judas or like him, yet the truth is we have all acted the way he did or thought what Judas had going through his mind. My point is that the best thing we can do is to have a proper view of Jesus...

It is Wednesday of Holy Week, and today we are going to look at Judas.   I have lots of questions on this one.  Why would God allow such a man to be part of His team for so long?  Why not choose another way without all the pain and grief to the cross and Jesus’ death?   Judas is a figure of many people we have dealt with through life.  They want to deceive or have wrong motives to gain for themselves.  God teaches us how to deal with such and to make sure our motives are not selfish. Check your motives. Luke 14:11 NLT For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Judas played an important role in the Holy Week festivities.  What we do know is that he was conflicted.  He wanted to back out of the deal he made to sell out Jesus.  His life ended in sadness and in his taking his own life I am grateful for Jesus, the cross...