But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
I came across something the other day that really struck me. I couldn’t find the original author - but here’s what it said:
"Think about this for a second: Jesus knew.
"Jesus goes into that room with his disciples. He knows he is going to be betrayed. He knows it is Judas who will turn against him. He knows that he has been sold out for a handful of silver. Stabbed in the back by one he has poured his life into.
"Yet, in that room, hours before the crucifixion, Judas ate too. Jesus fed Judas too. Jesus prayed for Judas too. Jesus washed Judas’ feet too. I struggle to fathom that kind of love. A love that would feed the mouth that deceived you. A love that would wash the treasonous feet of the traitor. A love that could forgive even the vilest of betrayals.
"I honestly struggle to comprehend it. And then, suddenly, I realize that I’m Judas. And in that moment I’m so thankful and altogether overwhelmed that Judas ate too."
Powerful, right? As believers, we can recognize that we are certainly imperfect and prone to sin, but also certainly known and loved by our savior. We are recipients of God’s mercy and his grace.
Mercy is “not getting what we deserve” (like punishment or pain). Grace, on the other hand, can be defined as “getting what we don’t deserve” (like freedom or forgiveness). God’s love is deep. He loved you before you ever had the chance to deserve it. Like Judas – we have sinned against God – by what we have done and by what we have left undone. Yet… God, having full knowledge of that fact, demonstrated his love for us by sending his only son to die for us.
God loves you because you are his child, his creation - fearfully and wonderfully made. He is the God of second chances. I don’t know about you, but knowing this leads me to worship him even more. Being overwhelmed and thankful tends to do that.
God bless you!
Gary
