April 27 Is it I?

John 13:21-24 Jesus said, “I am telling you the truth: one of you is going to betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another completely puzzled about whom he meant. 23 One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was sitting next to Jesus. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him and said, “Ask him whom he is talking about.”
 
AS often as I’ve read this, my first thought has been that the disciples were eager to know Jesus’ betrayer, so they could confront him and protect their Master. This can be true.
   But now I wonder if they had another reason. Perhaps the disciples were concerned about their own guilt. Is it possible each was wondering, “Is it I?”
   Do you ever wonder, “Is it I who will betray Jesus?” Oh, you might respond, “It’s too late to betray the Lord of Life to his death. Judas did that.” And thankfully, wonderfully, we know Jesus triumphed over Judas’ betrayal to reign as our King in Heaven. So it’s safe for us, right?. None of us could possibly betray Jesus.
   Or could we? Or do we? Let’s consider these questions: Do you love God with all your heart? Do you love your neighbor as yourself? Do you accept Jesus as Lord of your life? Do you take up your cross to follow Jesus? Do you speak of Jesus’ love to others? Do you forgive? Do you worship the Lord God only? Do you serve in submission to your Savior’s call?
   “Betray” can mean to “let down”, to “deceive”, or to “turn in”. I think we at times “turn in” or trade Jesus’ ways for our own ways. We betray his commands for our own desires, don’t we? Yes, we deceive Jesus with, “I’ll follow you, Lord.” Then in a moment’s temptation, we decide to go elsewhere. We let down our Lord when we remain silent while others mock him. The “betrayal list” can become very long.
   Yes, it is easy for us to look at Judas and judge him, “Betrayer”. But let’s look to Jesus and ask with a confessing heart, “How have I betrayed you, Lord?” Knowing Jesus is alive, reigning in heaven, means you can confront those heart betrayals that keep you from the king with an assurance he will strengthen your faith. Let’s be purposeful to lessen the ways we betray Jesus. Instead, “let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name. (Hebrews 13:15) Affirm your heart is firm for Jesus.
 
Prayer: Forgive me, Lord God, for the many ways and times I have betrayed my faith in you. I pray I confess you with my mind, mouth, hands and feet. In Jesus’ name, amen.