Judas Ate Too

Matthew 26:14-16

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Judas sought out those he knew were looking for his Master's death and offered his services. Knowingly. With intent. Willingly betraying the Jesus he'd served with all this time. On purpose. It wasn't accidental. It wasn't an oops. It was done because he saw opportunity. He saw a chance for the circumstances to benefit him. He was reading the room, he saw the unrest, he took the easy way out. Maybe to avoid the association, maybe just out of greed. Regardless of the specific motive, Judas received payment, a completed transaction, to hand over the Jesus that he'd dined with, slept with, traveled with, and watched perform miracle after miracle.

Judas was one of the twelve, chosen to be in close communion with Jesus. He had been everywhere with Him over the three years of His ministry. There was no shortage of miracles. There was no doubt that Jesus was who He said He was. Judas was one that helped pass out the five loaves and two fish. He attended the wedding and drank of the water wine. He was in the boat when the storms were raging and Jesus lay sleeping, only to speak and the seas be calmed. Judas KNEW, and still he betrayed him.

Matthew 26: 20-21

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

For a split second, I imagine the room was silent enough to hear a pindrop. This before it erupted in confusion and chaos. Eleven disciples talking at once, all in disbelief and sadness, while Judas was likely silent. As his comrades were taking turns questioning who was to do this terrible thing, I'd like to say Judas was uneasy and convicted. I love to believe that but since he followed through, I doubt that's the case.

Matthew 26:25

Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

Jesus knew. Long before Judas ever approached the priests, He knew that he would betray Him. And he still invited him along. Jesus didn't push him away. He didn't tell him he wasn't allowed to follow him. He didn't say you're evil or unworthy. He never once approached him with anything but love from all that we see in Scripture. Jesus invited Judas into His circle, where He knew He would be most vulnerable. He allowed access when He knew he would fail Him.

Judas ate too. As they all sat around the table for this last meal, Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him and He still fed him. He shared a cup with him, lounged with him, and loved on him. The whole time knowing that in a few hours, he would give the betrayer's kiss and Jesus would be arrested to face a horrible death. Despite all of this, Judas ate too.

Matthew 26:31-34

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

Peter failed too. He made bold statements that he'd stay until the very end. He was full of confidence and knew that he knew that he knew, he wasn't going anywhere. But with the pressure on, he folded like a lawn chair. (Matthew 26:69-75)

Jesus knew this too. Judas was part of the twelve and Peter was a part of the inner circle, yet they both failed Him. Jesus knew it would happen. Just like He knows we will fail. He's already taken it into consideration. He knows we're fallible humans, He knows our weaknesses. He knows where we'll fold. But He uses us anyway.

Despite our many flaws, He uses us anyway. He loves us anyway. He chose us anyway. I'm not ever excusing sin, because it's just not ever okay, but there's a peace in knowing that Jesus knows and still chose to die for me. When I can't see my own worth, He does. When I mess up and fall short God sees me through the Jesus filter provided on the cross.

1John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Judas ate too. Peter ate too. God still uses me despite my failings and shortcomings. And He can do the same for you. We don't have to be labeled by our sin. We don't have to be trapped in a cycle of "when I stop doing this, then I can come to God." He's not asking for perfection. He's asking for willingness. He's asking for surrender so He can purify you. He already knows your flaws and doesn't expect you to wait until you're perfect or healed or better.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

He already knows. He already loves you, just as you are. He has plans for you, just as you are. Won't you come to Him for that peace you're seeking in all the wrong places?

Matthew 11:29-30

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

He loves you too. Despite any mistake you've made. Despite any struggles you may have. Despite any failure you may have experience. You would eat too.