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Mark 14:10-11
In Mark 14:10-11 is where we first learn that Judas Iscariot became interested in betraying Jesus. We all know that Judas would eventually betray Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:43-50), but have we ever contemplated why it was Judas that would betray Jesus? Could it have been a desire and greed for money? We learn in Mark 14:10-11 (NKJV), “10Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. 11And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.” In John 12:4-6, just after Mary had washed the feet of Jesus with very expensive oil (John 12:1-3), the Bible teaches us, “But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.” The Bible does not teach us why Judas Iscariot was specifically chosen by Jesus to be His disciple, or that he actually ever became a true follower of Jesus as would be the definition of a “disciple.” But we do know that it was necessary to fulfill Scripture (John 13:18-19).
This is an example that God’s plan, even though it sometimes allows bad things to happen in our lives, has a greater purpose than what we may see at that time.
We all view Judas as possibly the worst person who ever lived as he is the one who betrayed Jesus which eventually led to His death on the cross. But this was also in God’s plan of salvation for humanity as Jesus became, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Don’t get me wrong; I am not trying to justify the actions or life of Judas Iscariot as if anyone should seek to follow this example, but that God uses the sinful ways of this world, which were brought upon us all by the sinful nature, to lead us back to Him as He opens our eyes and hearts to realize and understand how wrong we are to remain living in it. God has ultimate power and authority over everything, even the sins of this world; that He may utilize it to bring us back to Him and receive forgiveness and put on the righteousness of Christ Jesus that saves us all from the sin of this world.
Dear LORD,
I hope and pray that we all will learn from this lesson that as Adam and Eve first betrayed You in the garden, that it was the betrayal of Judas Iscariot in the garden that was necessary for betrayal to betray itself in leading to the sacrifice of all sacrifices of Jesus on the cross that defeated sin once for all (Romans 6:10). The devil thought he had won in his quest to overthrow You, but You used his own means to defeat him – that is ultimate power – power to save even when things look as if evil has won. Please help us all to hold our faith to You in the saving power of Jesus when things get tough – that we would be victorious in Christ! In Jesus name I pray, amen.