by Crystal Townsend
When I was little, the neighbor kids and I played together daily. I was the oldest and had a strong sense of right and wrong. I was happy if everyone was following the rules of the neighborhood, otherwise I would call attention to the rule breaker. I clearly remember a day I refused to eat with a friend because she broke my neatness rule and left crumbs in my tent! I’ll never forget the feeling of anger at the ease of her disregard for MY tent rules. The speech I gave in my fury ended with me sending her home. Needless to say, the reconciliation was humbling. I was reminded of my sinful nature and my pride. I was broken at the realization that I so easily chose actions of anger over love.
Here in Luke 22, as Judas begins to be used by Satan for the betrayal of Jesus, I’m struck by Jesus’ actions. He’s not distracted by His anger or emotions. He simply continues in the Passover preparations. He provides for his disciples and leads them through the last supper. All the while, Judas is sitting and eating among them, but Jesus doesn’t send him home. He calmly explains the importance of the bread and wine and the symbolism of his body and blood. Finally, He points out that His betrayer is at the table and that the consequences shall come. Today we struggle with a myriad of different emotions as people let us down or our plans fail, but be reminded of the example Jesus set as Judas’ betrayal unfolded. Choose to take your frustrations to Jesus and not act in anger or haste. Remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made out of His great love for us. What a great reminder of the life Jesus has called us to live! A life of love, joy, peace, and patience. What a great reminder of the sacrifice He has made to bring us into the family of God. And just know, I’ve gotten a little better at dealing with injustice lovingly…I’ll hold friends accountable, but I now refrain from reaming them out and sending them home over crumbs!
VC Devotionals 