Just Like Judas

Today's Reading: Mark 10-14

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. Mark 14: 10 NRSV

Why, why, why did Judas want to betray Jesus?

Some say it was for money. Yet, in the next verse, it is the chief priests who offer money. That doesn't seem to be the motivation for Judas.

Just before this, a woman has anointed Jesus with costly perfume. Was Judas incensed with Jesus' defense of her actions? Or was he upset that Jesus again tells them that he is going to die? "She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial (Mark 14: 8)."

I really want to know why Judas betrayed Jesus.

But the best source of an answer comes from my own heart. Why do I, why do you, why do you and I betray Jesus? Because we are embarrassed, ashamed, want to be liked by others, don't want to be made fun of, don't want to get hurt, want to impress the right people and don't want to hurt our chances of success or self-improvement. You may can think of other reasons.

We have more in common with Judas than we would like to think we do.

God, we are guilty of betraying Jesus like Judas did. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. In His precious name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims