Which One of Us?

And as they were at table eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with Me.”

Mark 14:18 (RSV)

On the last evening with His disciples, when it should have been a solemn moment of comfort and positive retrospection on all that they had experienced together during the last three years of His ministry, Jesus spoke very strong words to them that they did not expect: “One of you will betray me.” Put yourself in the disciples’ shoes and see what impact such news would have on you. It would be a shock.

Understand the story, Jesus had just given them a lesson in wisdom and humility by washing their feet. How could one of them dare to strike such a blow at their leader, the one who had chosen them at the seaside to make them ministers of the gospel. They all asked him in a fit of fear and emotion, “Is it I?” Judas understood Jesus’ message and felt that his place was no longer among the twelve. You probably think that would never be you.

It may seem shocking that Judas, who knew Jesus so closely, would stoop so low for money. But we are no different than he did. Every time we turn away from God, we commit an act of betrayal toward Him. We become a Judas in our own way. Sometimes, when faced with a difficult situation, instead of calling on God, we choose to seek help elsewhere. Judas’ problem was not just money; it was that his relationship with Jesus was not based on the person of Jesus, but rather on his own interests. Do not make the mistake of Judas, do not abandon your faith to seek the riches of men.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.