Lent is a prefect time to reflect on repentance

By Paula Quam | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, March 31, 2007

Have you wondered what the bigger lie on Judas’ part was when he betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane?

Was it calling Jesus “Rabbi, my teacher” or kissing Jesus? According to Wycliffe’s Bible commentary this was not just a quick peck on the cheek but rather an intense, warm embrace.

Both of Judas’ actions were lies. He didn’t love Jesus. If he had he never would have turned him over to the chief priests. Rather Judas would have obeyed him.

Calling Jesus his teacher was also a lie because he hadn’t learned what Jesus had been trying to teach him in the three years that they had spent together. Judas is a perfect example of when Jesus says “Why do you call me ‘my teacher’ and not learn what I teach?”

Judas lied with his words and actions. On the other hand, we know that when Jesus calls Judas “friend” in his statement, “friend, do what you came for,” He really means it because Jesus never lies. It is as if Jesus was saying he was willing to still be Judas’ friend even after what he has done. If only Judas would have turned in repentance and opened his heart to Jesus.

If we doubt that this kind of forgiveness is possible we should look at how Jesus extended forgiveness on the cross to the thief and those who crucified him.

Jesus also asks Judas “Do you betray the son of man with a kiss?” The term “son of man” would cause the Jewish people to think of their promised Messiah. It is as though he is preaching the gospel to those around him. Jesus is giving them the opportunity to believe even at this very dark hour. How many similar opportunities does he give us to believe in him when we go through dark times?

Are you asking why in the world someone would focus on Judas during Lent? I feel that we can learn much from his sad life. It is important to remember that we, too,, have betrayed Jesus. It is just as much our sin as Judas’ actions that put Jesus on the cross.

If we can learn anything from Judas’ life or from the lives of the spiritual leaders that have fallen lately it’s that none of us are immune to falling away. It is God’s grace that keeps us, if we will allow him and it is God’s grace that will lead us back to Him through repentance.

Paula Quam works at Health Resources Center in Fergus Falls.