Wednesday of Holy Week
March 19, 2008
Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32
Our journey toward the cross is progressing. In John’s gospel today, we read that Jesus announced that Judas will betray Him. As I noted on Sunday in Matthew’s account, Judas even asks Jesus, “Is it me?” Jesus tells Judas to go and do what he needs to do. The other disciples are confused. Where is Judas going? Little did they know, the plan was now in place. It won’t be long now and Jesus will be in the hands of the chief priests and scribes.
31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will soon give glory to the Son.
Throughout the book of John, Jesus says, “My time has not yet come.” Yet, here in John 13, he says, “My time is come.” This is why he came. It was time to give glory to the Father.
When we think of all the Father went through for us, (and I encourage you to read the Isaiah and Psalm passage, because I believe that they give us some insight to how Jesus was feeling.) we can look at Hebrews 12:1-3:
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 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.
Yesterday, I wrote on the foolishness of the cross and it does seem like foolishness, until we realize that the cross changed everything in our lives. So many times we hit a little snag and we are tempted to give up or give in. When you get to that place, think about Christ and all that He suffered and endured for us. Think about Judas, one of Jesus’ closest friends. Do you have a friend that betrayed you? Don’t give up. Jesus knows what you are going through. He is our great example. Let’s run the race!
