May 9, 2014

Matthew 26: 
²⁵ Then Judas, already turned traitor, said, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?”
Jesus said, “Don’t play games with me, Judas.”

They are at the Last Supper.  This is just before Jesus offers the first Communion.  Jesus has told the disciples that one of them will betray him.  They are shocked, but Judas speaks up.

I am loving this translation in The Message.  Jesus is blunt, going right to the point.  He does the same later when Judas betrays him with a kiss, calling it a "charade."  Judas has been right there for the whole ministry, acting as treasurer for the group.  How can he be so misled?  How could he have convinced himself that this betrayal was for the best for anyone?  And yet, it was, in  a way.  It was not the best for Judas, who died in disgrace, but it led to my salvation thousands of years later.

Prayer:  Lord, I pray for all of us, Your people, who needed the ultimate sacrifice of Your son to save us from ourselves.  How easily I am led astray, how easily I am diverted from the truth of life lived in Your will for me.  Temptation is all around me, and I wander into it.  I don't want to play games with You---I want to live in accord with Your holy plan for me.  Help me to see the way that leads to life eternal with You.
Amen