Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me….
one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me.”
—Mark 14.18, 20
Those times when I feel as guilty as Judas,
Jesus reassures me.
Jesus, as host, has seated Judas next to him.
The seat next to the host of a dinner,
sharing the bowl with him,
is the seat of honor, the highest place.
This is the depth of Jesus’s love,
his absolute forgiveness.
Even as Judas’ heart unravels and he plots evil,
Jesus honors him, seeks friendship with him, and offers grace.
When you feel like Judas, remember
you are affirmed, welcomed, honored—cherished, even—
as you are.
You are invited to share the bowl with Jesus.
You are invited to enter into a closeness that doesn’t depend
on what’s in your heart, or your past, or even your future,
determined solely by Jesus’ perfect love.
There is no test. There are no rankings.
Jesus knows you, knows you are more screwed up
than you think you are, and still says warmly,
“Come sit with me.”
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
Listen to the audio recording:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:44 — 2.4MB)