Blog Goes The Small Group Part Deux!
Greetings Friends: I’m continuing the virtual application of our Tuesday evening small group. We read through John 13 this week. Give the text a read… see my comments in part one (posted a couple days ago) and comments people left. Take a look at my thoughts on this next section. Chime in. Join the conversation.
Here’s my take on the next section:
John 13:18-31
This whole dialogue intrigues me. The fact that Jesus identifies His betrayer seems lost on His disciples too. I can only imagine that they had no clue what kind of betrayal Jesus spoke of, perhaps thinking that Judas would fall short of Jesus expectations or something, but certainly not expecting him to betray Christ unto death. It’s obvious that the whole exchange was confusing to them (see verse 29 and John’s perception of what the others might have been thinking).
I’m also intrigued for Judas’ point of view. Talk about getting caught with your hands in the cookie jar! He is likely planning this betrayal, perhaps spent the money already, no matter his motives. And Jesus calls him out. Have you ever been listening to a preacher bring a sermon and felt all of a sudden as if he just hit you between the eyes? Like everyone in the whole place could see right through you? That, ‘He’s talking about me’ kind of sick feeling? When I was a child in school the Principal’s office would sometimes come over the intercom and say, “Please send Darin Shaw to the office”. (Okay, so it happened pretty often, but don’t miss my point.) That feeling of ‘busted!’ rolled through my body.
There’s also the whole matter of Satan (this is the only place Satan is named in John’s gospel by the way) entering Judas is very interesting. Certainly it is Judas who betrays Christ. What role does Satan play? Where does Judas’ responsibility begin and end, and etc?
Very interesting stuff to ponder together.
What are your thoughts on these verses? The rest of John 13? I’ll drop a few thoughts in on the remainder of the chapter as the week progresses, so check back often.
Here’s my take on the next section:
John 13:18-31
This whole dialogue intrigues me. The fact that Jesus identifies His betrayer seems lost on His disciples too. I can only imagine that they had no clue what kind of betrayal Jesus spoke of, perhaps thinking that Judas would fall short of Jesus expectations or something, but certainly not expecting him to betray Christ unto death. It’s obvious that the whole exchange was confusing to them (see verse 29 and John’s perception of what the others might have been thinking).
I’m also intrigued for Judas’ point of view. Talk about getting caught with your hands in the cookie jar! He is likely planning this betrayal, perhaps spent the money already, no matter his motives. And Jesus calls him out. Have you ever been listening to a preacher bring a sermon and felt all of a sudden as if he just hit you between the eyes? Like everyone in the whole place could see right through you? That, ‘He’s talking about me’ kind of sick feeling? When I was a child in school the Principal’s office would sometimes come over the intercom and say, “Please send Darin Shaw to the office”. (Okay, so it happened pretty often, but don’t miss my point.) That feeling of ‘busted!’ rolled through my body.
There’s also the whole matter of Satan (this is the only place Satan is named in John’s gospel by the way) entering Judas is very interesting. Certainly it is Judas who betrays Christ. What role does Satan play? Where does Judas’ responsibility begin and end, and etc?
Very interesting stuff to ponder together.
What are your thoughts on these verses? The rest of John 13? I’ll drop a few thoughts in on the remainder of the chapter as the week progresses, so check back often.
1 Comments:
I hope this isn't too far off line... it's where my thoughts have been recently.
Years ago I began a process to uncover my family. There were missing members... namely my grandfather and his whole side of the family. He walked out on my mom, sisters and grandmother when they were quite young.
And he marked all of us.
I've had occasion to really talk with cousins as an adult for he first time. We were often separated by the bitterness of our moms (the sisters).
We've discovered just how much our lives have been marked by bitterness. By the vicious unwillingness to forgive, to recognize God's gracious hand.
Researching my grandfather (from determined evangelical stock) I've seen that same bitterness lay a pattern and a current over dusty census archives trailing across the prairies, mountains, even the oceans.
I've heard so many people close to me who once said they loved Jesus scream in anger that they hate God, and worse, point an accusing finger and say, "I WILL NEVER SERVE YOU, I WILL NEVER LOVE YOU."
But Satan himself enters Judas. That ultimate evil who caused His intimate to betray Him with a kiss... that evil is the means by which Jesus moves to the cross.
Oh the greatness and wonder of Him! Rather than grovel in puny bitterness, how much more to embrace the mighty love of grace tha causes evil to work for mercy?
Job said, in a flash of understanding, "Though He slay me, yet will I serve Him."
How can we not hang tight to such love that surrounds Satan himself and renders him a tool of love?
D--
By Higher Up, Further In, at 6/23/2006 10:56 PM
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