Have you experienced betrayal from a friend? Jesus did, and yet He loved this person to the end. Let’s continue to reflect on this week’s event two thousand years ago.

Noon nama’y pumasok si Satanas kay Judas, na tinatawag na Iscariote, na kabilang sa Labindalawa. Kaya’t nakipagkita siya sa mga punong pari at sa mga pinuno ng bantay sa Templo upang kanilang pag-usapan kung paano niyang maipagkakanulo si Jesus.

Lucas 22:3–4

It is disturbing to think that Judas — who walked with, ministered with, and fellowshipped with Jesus Himself for three years — was influenced by Satan and took deliberate action to betray Jesus. Nakipagkita siya sa mga pari at pinuno sa Templo to talk about Jesus. Hindi ito accidental o biglaan lang na nangyari. Talagang nag-schedule sila ng meeting to take down Jesus. What made Judas vulnerable to such an attack from the enemy? What was he thinking as he conspired with the chief priests and temple officers? What was the condition of Judas’ heart? Only God knows the answers to these questions.

There are two things we can reflect on this Holy Wednesday. First, Jesus knew Judas’ mind, heart, and soul, yet embraced him still. Pinatawad Niya si Judas. What grace and love our Jesus demonstrates, even and especially to those who have caused Him the most pain! 

Second, Judas, like us, was a flawed, broken, and sinful human. This is a humbling thought. In life, we might come across our own personal Judases, frenemies we discover too late. Will we find it in our heart to forgive them? Or we might discover a little bit of Judas in ourselves: prone to envy, gossip, backstabbing, or betrayal. Can we find it in ourselves to repent and seek forgiveness?

May we continue to reflect and realize the depth of God’s love for us. And may we continue to find encouragement through His Spirit and through His Word. Please join us again tomorrow for our Holy Week Reflection.