Jesus Knew

TITLE: Jesus Knew
DATE:  October 2, 2019
TEXT: Matthew 15:8-9 – ESV - “‘This people honors me with their lips,  but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

The man was one of those rare individuals who faithfully tried to be a Christian father.

That is why it was not unusual when he sat down to supper with his family and said grace. In his prayer he thanked God for the food, for his wife who had prepared it, and for the gift of life itself.

The prayer being ended, the family dug in. As they ate the family made conversation. Once again Dad led the way.

• He complained about the staleness of the bakery bread,
• He criticized the bitterness of the coffee and
• He condemned the chewiness of the meat.

Toward the end of the meal, His young daughter questioned him,

She asked, "Dad, do you think God heard the grace today?" He answered confidently, "Of course." Then she inquired, "And do you think God heard what you said about the coffee, the meat, and the bread?"  Not liking the direction the conversation was going, Dad, not so confidently answered, "Why, yes, I believe so."
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The little girl concluded with a question, "Then, Daddy, which of your words do you think the Lord believed?"

When Judas greeted Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus might well have asked the same question of His disciple. A small paraphrase of the little girl’s question would have Jesus asking :”Judas, which do you think God believes?

• “Do you think God believes the outward gesture of your kiss and the fact that you call me 'Rabbi', or
• Do you think God believes the 30 silver coins which jingle in your purse and the mob which stands behind you armed with clubs? Judas, which do you think God believes?"

Of course we know that Judas wasn't fooling anybody. The yeast of sin has corrupted him. As God’s omniscient Son, Jesus knew what was in Judas’ heart and He also knew  Judas’ kiss would lead to His arrest, His death, His resurrection and the world’s redemption.

Yes, Jesus realized what was in Judas’ heart even as He does ours. And there is one other thing Jesus knew.

He knew Judas didn’t have to end up in hell. When Jesus died, He was carrying that disciple’s sin of betrayal, even as He carries all of our transgressions. Judas could have been forgiven, if he had only believed.

Sadly it is too late for Judas.

But it is not too late for us who know the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.

THE PRAYER  - Lord, we have never betrayed You with a kiss. But we often betrayed You with hearts that are not right. We rejoice in the forgiveness You have given. Transform us so our  hearts, minds and actions might glorify You. In Your Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html