Truly The Master!

When Jesus was in the upper room with His disciples after preparations had been made for them to eat the Passover together, Jesus clearly acknowledged that one of them was going to betray Him. ( Matthew 26:21) One of the twelve -- having followed Jesus, listened to His teachings, and observed His miraculous power -- would sell Him out. What an awful possibility! It was a possibility that appears to have really struck the disciples.

Their immediate response was . . .
"(22) And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, 'IS IT I, LORD?'" ( Matthew 26:22 ESV)
Rather than looking at each other and asking "who is it" the disciples immediately did a little personal soul searching wondering if they could be capable of doing such a thing. They viewed JESUS AS LORD. How could they betray Him for Whom they had left everything to follow? ( Matthew 19:27)

After noting that though this would all take place according to what had been written about Him, Jesus stated it would have been better for that individual if they had not been born. It was then that Judas responded.

We read. . .
"(25) Judas, who would betray him, answered, 'IS IT I, RABBI?' He said to him, 'You have said so.'" ( Matthew 26:25 ESV)

Judas called Jesus "Rabbi" (teacher). Though Judas was very sorrowful later ( Matthew 27:3-4), perhaps if he had genuinely acknowledged JESUS AS LORD as the others did, he would not have been so willing to betray Him for thirty pieces of silver. ( Matthew 26:15) Instead of Jesus having become the LORD OF HIS LIFE, money appears to have been more his master. This was something Judas had not left behind. Having carried the money bag, he had even been guilty of helping himself to some of it. ( John 12:6)

Today there are still many who will acknowledge Jesus as a great teacher, but not AS LORD. Until the LORDSHIP OF JESUS is acknowledged, He cannot make the life difference He came to make possible! That leaves the door wide open to the possibilities of doing the unthinkable.

To accept HIS LORDSHIP is to walk in Him. ( Colossians 2:6) May we continue to genuinely acknowledge JESUS AS LORD so as to not fall under any other power. Only in Him can the riches of true life be found for now and eternity.

Have a great day WHOLE HEARTEDLY FOLLOWING JESUS!
Carl

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