4:308 – What If: Judas

#faithbites #faithjourney what

Setting

Marvel released a comic book series and later a show on Disney Plus called – What If. Basically, it tells the marvel stories we know with one major twist and see hows history would play out with that change. Yesterday, we talked about Judas and how Jesus knew he would betray him, but he still love Judas, feed him, and washed his feat. Ive often wondered, and at least one of you did, what If Judas changed his mind or what if Jesus cast Judas out before he could betray him.. How would life be different?

Today’s Questions: How woild Christianity be different if Judas didn’t betray Jesus? How do we feel about the role Judas plays in the founding of Christianity?

Scripture

• Mark 14:43-45 – And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him.
• Luke 22:54-64 – ^54 (A)Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, ^(B)and Peter was following at a distance. ^55 (C)And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of ^(D)the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. ⁵⁶ Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” ⁵⁷ But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” ⁵⁸ And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” ⁵⁹ And after an interval of about an hour still another ^(E)insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” ⁶⁰ But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. ⁶¹ And the Lord turned and ^(F)looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, ^(G)“Before the rooster crows today, you will ^(H)deny me three times.” ⁶² And he went out and wept bitterly.

Reflection

Looking back, we can’t imagine another scenario where Judas doesnt betray Jesus. That was all part of God’s plan. But What If it was Peter? The man who denied Jesus 3 times. How would our qirld bw different. Jesus decided to build his church on Peter, the Rock, the first Pope.

Or, if Judas didnt betray Jesus, would there have been a crucifixion at all? If no crucifixion, no resurrection. Our faith is rooted in the forgiveness of sins and resurrection of the body. How would we be different? How would the world be different?

While we may wonder, What If, we know what was and what is. Judas did betray, Jesus. Jesus knew he would and loved him anyway and maybe because of it.

As we close, remember that even if we know what will happen, including even betrayal, we should love, support, and help the person. I dont know if I could be like Jesus, but I will try.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the continual reminder of how we should live. While we may wonder what we would do in your shoes, you give hs a great example of how to live. We pray that you help us live with the same heart that you gave Jesus. In your glorious name, Amen.