Holy Week with Judas – Maundy Thursday – Misunderstood Ministrations

Greetings Dear Reader,

Jesus had told his followers earlier in the week that he would be handed over and crucified. His instructions when sending the disciples to set up the Passover meal was that “his time was at hand.” The response of all the disciples tells us that they did not really believe that their leader would die.

At supper they are arguing over who would be greatest in the kingdom. They are with God whose time is at hand. They all deny that they will deny him but one is honest enough not argue when confronted with his own plan. Jesus could have corrected Judas when asked if he was the one handing him over. Instead Jesus told him to go and do it quickly. Jesus knew what must happen and he knew Judas motive.

Judas must act or Jesus cannot. Judas wants him to act like a God. Jesus is about to do just that. Judas leaves. Jesus speaks. The remaining apostles sing a song with their Lord and adjourn to Gethsemane. The abandonment begins as the disciples sleep while Jesus communes with the Father.

Too late they fully awaken to what is happening as Judas arrives with soldiers and priests. It is late at night and few who truly believe will see the arrest. The two events in the garden that matter in our study are the reveal and the kiss.

When the soldiers say they seek Jesus, he simply says “I am.” The soldiers fall to the ground. We do not know why but they did. Imagine you are Judas, trying to push Jesus to act like God and you witness this. Judas advances on the King and kisses his cheek as arranged. He has just seen the power of Jesus and it is plausible that he believes Jesus is about to act.

Again we have the opportunity to see Judas through a different lens. If we see him in this light, it surely explains the events that follow. Tomorrow will be a cascade of horror for him.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."