THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:17-21
“It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Mark 14:21)
Jesus is giving Judas fair warning about the seriousness of his actions.
To curse the day of one’s birth is to give up on life altogether.
In the midst of his extreme misery, Job felt the same way.
“After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. He said: ‘May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’” (Job 3:1-3)
Jesus is predicting that His betrayer will seriously regret his actions.
And we know in fact that this is what happens.
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse… Then he went away and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:3,5)
There are many people who, for a variety of reasons, give up on Jesus.
At the moment, something else seems easier, or better, or more worth it.
Or maybe it is just too hard to follow Jesus.
Hear the gracious reminder in Jesus’ words: ‘don’t do it, you will regret it!’
Is Jesus challenging you to carefully reconsider certain actions or decisions?
Is He holding Judas before you as an example of deep regret… so you can avoid it?
Whatever it is you are giving up Jesus for at the moment may seem worth it.
But the day will come when like Judas, you will be sorry.
If you think hanging on to Jesus is hard… life without Him will be much harder!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, there have been times when I was tempted to just quit. Thank You for Your gracious reminders that as hard as life may be with You, its much harder without You!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observations/Application
Betrayal.
A breech of trust.
It means that someone trusted you, cared for you, counted on you, loved you and despite all that you did the person harm. We have all experienced that but not to the extent that Judas betrayed Jesus.
I must examine myself and in the Light of His Truth ask Him to daily strength me in faith and hope and trust and truth to not forsake Him when I am tempted. I need to pray with confidence – do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Jesus stands at the door to enter.
Who has free entrance into the door of our lives?
Be Thou my Guardian and my guide;
And hear me when I call;
Let not my slippery footsteps slide,
And hold me lest I fall.
The world, the flesh, and Satan dwell
Around the path I tread;
O, save me from the snares of hell,
Thou quickener of the dead.
And if I tempted am to sin,
And outward things are strong,
Do Thou, O Lord, keep watch within,
And save my soul from wrong.
Still let me ever watch and pray,
And feel that I am frail;
That if the tempter cross my way,
Yet he may not prevail.