Father, I praise Your name today because You are an awesome God! And as You know I reserve that term for You and You alone. Only You are worthy!
John 13:18-30 (<<click here to read the passage)
There are situations in life that are extremely difficult to handle. Sometimes they involve our loved ones, or they may even involve people with whom we hold no ill will whatsoever. Circumstances arise that must be dealt with and dealing with them involves stern confrontation. Feelings are hurt, angers flare but when it comes right down to it, we have no choice. It is not always the case but can be a life-or-death situation.
Not too awful long ago, an organization with which I am affiliated hired an individual to take on certain responsibilities. We hoped they would be the answer to one of our biggest problems. Long story short, it just didn’t work out. There was a window of time in which things needed to happen…and the individual let the moment pass. There were no other windows in sight, so the organization leadership terminated our relationship with the individual. Feelings were hurt, anger flared. It was extremely difficult, but we truly felt we had no choice
As I read the Amplified Bible text notes I discovered that the phrase “troubled in spirit” used in the first part of verse 21 conveys the same meaning in a passage we looked at almost a month ago.
Back in John 11 when Jesus saw Mary weeping over the death of her brother Lazarus, and all those wailing with her a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. v33
The note reads, “In Greek this term suggests an emotional indignation or sternness. Jesus was angry…”
Jesus was troubled in spirit when He stated,
“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, one of you will betray Me and hand Me over.” v21b
Reading further we find that the betrayer-to-be was Judas Iscariot.
I fully understand that Judas committed a reprehensible and shameful act. He has been despised since by many who would align themselves with Jesus. But I believe that even knowing what Judas was getting ready to do, Jesus still loved Judas. I do not believe that Judas was destined to betray the Messiah. Maybe the time for not going down the path he chose had passed but even in the end, he realized the error of his ways. Unfortunately, he chose death instead of forgiveness – a forgiveness that would surely have been extended to him by Jesus Himself.
So, Jesus was deeply troubled to the point of anger, not at Judas the man but at what sin and the master of this world – the devil – had enticed him to do. Again, it was Judas’ choice, but I feel Jesus’ anger was directed at the sin that cripples all of us.
Hebrews 12 fleshes this out. In it we are to be …stripping off…the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. vs1-2 AMP (emphasis mine)
We must not lose focus! We must keep our eyes on Jesus! He did it all for us, knowing what we would do. It is an extremely difficult situation to handle yet still, He forgives!
Sept 1st, 2021, Wed, 8:37 pm
