THOUGHTS FROM MATTHEW

September 28

Text:  Matthew 26:47-49

And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up, accompanied by a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.  Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I shall kiss, He is the one; seize Him."  And immediately he went to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.  (NASB)

“How could he do that?”  Have you ever said that?  “What was he thinking—or was he thinking at all?”  Have you ever said that?  “He needs to get his head on straight!”  Have you ever said that?  “That is the stupidest thing I ever heard!”  Have you ever said that?

Those all have one thing in common.  If you have ever said any of those, you were saying, “He may have done that idiotic thing, but that is something I would never, never do!”  Suddenly, you are superior.  There are things that are unthinkable for you.  You are above making such senseless mistakes.  You know better than to do something like that.  You are too good to do something like that!

I have known a lot of good people that have done some thoughtless, awful things.  Have you ever had an “uh-oh” moment?  Later, you ask yourself, “Did I really do that?”  Years later you unexpectedly meet a witness or a co-conspirator.  With shame you silently pray, “Please, please, please do not bring that incident up!”  It was something you never told anyone—it was even “off-limits” to your own thinking.  In fact you get “chill bumps” just remembering it.  Been there, done that?

If we could get inside Judas’ head throughout the betrayal process, it would be a scary experience.  If we were 100% accurate about his thoughts when he went “with his plan” to those who wished to arrest Jesus, it would frighten us.  If we were 100% accurate about his thoughts when he left the supper, we would have chills.  If we were 100% accurate about his thoughts as he led the huge group of soldiers to the arrest site, we would understand.  If we were 100% accurate about his thinking when he kissed Jesus, we would identify with his thoughts with no trouble. 

Why?  We all have had moments when we thought like Judas thought.   “Big deal!  Nothing bad will happen!  After all, it is Jesus, the miracle worker who raises the dead!  Nothing bad can happen to him, and I will be a little richer!”  Everyone has had the “Nothing bad will happen” thought.

Suggestion for reflection: Things beyond our imagination happen!  (Read 1 Corinthians 15:42-49.)

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