John 13:2-5 (NKJV)
And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded..
As I was contemplating this passage, I was struck by the fact that Judas was still with the disciples when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. And as this passage says, Satan had already put the betrayal into the heart of Judas. Judas even had the money from the religious leaders jingling in his pocket. He was just waiting an opportune time to put his wickedness into action.
But at this point in the meal, Judas is still included with the twelve, Jesus no doubt tenderly washed the feet of Judas as he had with Peter, James and John. How can we reconcile this with God’s Word?
From Proverbs 10:18 “Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.” and Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”
Paul tells us that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s hatred of sin and particularly the sin of lying hasn’t changed. It is an abomination. At the same time, God’s grace is not constrained by our sin. Lying is a form of betrayal, but for those of us on the receiving end of this type of betrayal, we have the example of Jesus, who extended Grace and service to the end. So, in cases where we have been lied to and betrayed, consider the Lord’s command to forgive as you have been forgiven.
Matt Meyer – January 7, 2024
