And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
Mark 14:43-46
One of the most difficult things to walk through in friendship and relationships is betrayal. It is the feeling that someone, though they claim to be on your side, is suddenly and aggressively on the other. Judas followed Jesus everywhere, listened to him, served alongside him, and loved him. In one moment, he casts himself onto the other side for money.
The thing that strikes me most in this moment with Judas is that Jesus died for him, too. He died for all of us, no matter the sins we’ve committed. Judas was the tipping point in the arrest of Jesus; it hinged on his betrayal, and yet, Jesus forgives him, hangs on a cross, and dies for his sin. We can do nothing in this world that would push Jesus away enough that he wouldn’t have grace for us. Judas looked Jesus in the eyes, kissed his cheek, and sinned directly against him.
Your sin is never too great for the forgiveness of Jesus. Nothing you do can push him away. He will still choose to die for you, every time.
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
Is there sin in your life that you think is too great for God to forgive? Ask the Lord for forgiveness, and then pray for him to help you truly accept his grace and let go.
For Kids:
Supplies Needed: white crayon, watercolor paints, paper
Before you sit down with your children, use the white crayon to write love on a piece of paper for each of them.
Explain the story of Judas to your children, and then ask them to paint their piece of paper. Encourage them to try and cover the word love with their paints (they shouldn’t be able to). Tell them to try the darkest color they have.
Read Romans 8:39. Just like we couldn’t cover up the word love no matter what color of paints we used, we can never cover up Christ’s love for us no matter how dark the sin.
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