2024_08_14 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- John 12:1-6, Luke 22:1-21, Matthew 26:1-25, Matthew 26:47-51, Matthew 27:1-8, Acts 1:16-19
When I read about Judas, I am both angry at his traitorous actions and amazed at Jesus’ patience. Judas had a front seat to witness the greatest life lived. He could tell Jesus was all He claimed to be, yet Judas’ self-centered motivation was the driving factor in his life. It is good to remember that proximity and exposure do not change a heart; humble honesty and surrender do. The old saying is true – “Sitting in church no more makes you a Christian than sitting in a garage makes you a car.”
Regarding Jesus, He knew Judas was going to betray Him, yet He continued to treat him as a friend. The patience and self-control that would take is amazing. Jesus models for me that I am responsible for loving my neighbor whether my neighbor returns the love or not. Even further, Jesus is modeling what He taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:43–44 (NLT) This is something that we, as Jesus’ church, have an opportunity and responsibility to model for our country. Increasingly, “my rights” have replaced what “is right” in God’s eyes. Attacking others is considered justified if we believe they have disrespected us. Imagine if God treated you and me this way. Jesus left us a super challenging example in His relationship with Judas – let’s ask Him to help us follow it!
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.” Hebrews 12:2–4 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor