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WEDNESDAY DAY # 4

Jesus has now spent three days and three nights in Jerusalem and the plot is about to thicken. You’ve probably heard the expression that fish and friends begin to smell after three days. That phrase is about to apply to Jesus milling around Jerusalem as well. The Roman and religious leaders were growing tired of His challenges. Just how could they take Him out without inciting the crowds?

Enter Judas Iscariot!

Whatever you might have heard about the recently published Gospel of Judas, none of the canonical gospel writers see him as a hero. But, lest you dispair of the new Judas information, remember this; this latest gospel affirms that Jesus was and is a reality! Maybe we could attract more of the world if we as Christians weren’t so negative, so anti anything and everything new. Sure, this is just another gnostic document; however, it once more verifies the life of Jesus. As Rick Godwin said to me yesterday, “Why do so many people decry the darkness that comes and exisits in the world, while not bothering to strike a match?”

Good question!

Sad commentary on the state of Christianity.

While the authorities were plotting to kill Jesus and take His life, God’s Spirit was on the scene with an obscure person to prepare Him for the task at hand. Remember the story in Mark 14:3-9? An obscure woman comes and pours out a year’s value of perfume on His head. In case you missed it, she’s the first BELIEVER in the Bible.

The most sad part of this day and yet the also the most encouraging are the actions of the apostles. They are portrayed as acting like our kids: like we probably come across to Jesus. You could call this day the day of “failed discipleship”. We begin with Judas, who unlike the Gospel Of Judas, was a traitor. From there you have story after story of the apostles questioning Jesus, doubting Jesus, and really just seeking for themselves whatever they can get. We’re two days from His crucifixation, and they’re vying for a spot at the table.

Don’t judge a person at 5,10,15, or 20 miles- of a marathon!

A marathon is 26.2 (and that last 0.2 is exhilarating) miles. Yes, Peter denied Jesus three times as He had prophecied. But Peter ran the race and won! James was the first to be martyred, but each man took his turn being who Jesus knew they could and would be. If there is something we should take from Wednesday, it’s that we should not be too critical, not judge too quickly, and not put people in a box that makes their liberation even more difficult than it already is.

Who do you need to set free of your judgments?

Remember. Jesus was not just a “substitute” for our life. While His death was a ransom to buy us back, set us free, the cross is also an invitation. This week particularly, we are reminded of that invitation. Lent is a reminder. Tomorrow, Maundy Thursday is a reminder, Good Friday, and of course Easter is a reminder that we’re called to PARTICIPATE in the experience and the reality of the cross.

Are you coming, joining in?