As we approach Holy Week this year, we contemplate Mark’s account of Jesus’ Passion.
Let us consider this passage in the light of the two ‘worlds’ confronting each other at that time as in our present day and how people behave quite differently in these two worlds. Jesus had come to usher in the Kingdom of God in this world and
to do away with Satan’s kingdom. He invited those he came across, especially his disciples, to understand and begin to live their lives according to God’s ways, forsaking the destructive ways of the world. To turn away from Satan and sin and to believe the Good News of God’s love and salvation.
Judas had been given the same invitation and had the same opportunities to do this as the rest of the disciples. He had spent the same
time as they had with Jesus, heard his teaching, and witnessed his miracles. We presume that he had even participated in the disciples' first ‘mission’ and taught about the Kingdom, healed the sick and even cast out demons together with the other disciples. Yet, he had not turned away from this world and sin. He seemed to still be attached to the evil intrigues, power, hunger and riches of this world, so he could easily swing against his friends and the Master and betray him into the hands of
his enemies.
Sadly, we easily notice what Judas does and judge him without realising our own perilous ways and tendencies to betray our Lord and our brothers and sisters. Judas’ heart, sentiments, and actions were clearly still firmly grounded in the old kingdom, and he was still ‘playing’ life by the old destructive rules of deception, betrayal, power, and money. These ways were damaging and hurtful to himself, others, and his
Lord.
These realities of our choices between God’s Kingdom ways and the ways of the sinful, mistaken world still play out, mostly quietly, unobtrusively, and subtly, in our own lives today.
So, let us carefully consider how we might still betray our Lord in our thoughts, words, and actions today. What in our lives still says silently or screams loudly, “I don’t really
believe that God’s way will work”, “I don’t agree with what I see God doing; I have a smarter plan”, “I don’t trust God, I will take care of myself”? How do I work against others/friends/leaders in my church or community, betraying them or selling them out for my own benefit?
How can I give God greater glory in life? How can I stand up for Jesus more visibly? How can I treat others – especially fellow believers – with more respect
and dignity?
Reflections by Reggie Venter
