God’s Plan Is Costly

The disciples gathered with Jesus to celebrate an important event in the life of the Jews. The Passover celebration was a time of rejoicing as they remembered how the Lord freed the Jews from their slavery in Egypt. God never forgot His people. In the depths of their oppression in Egypt, the Jews called out to God. And God rescued them. He did what was considered impossible by freeing more than two million people from Egypt. Certainly, the Jews celebrated this day with great rejoicing.

But in the midst of this joyful celebration, Jesus was troubled in His spirit. Jesus experienced a similar feeling when He stood at the grave of Lazarus. The reality of death troubled Jesus. God’s plan was that we would live and not die. But sin brought death upon us. Because of the reality of death, God promised to redeem us from our sin just as He redeemed the Jews from their slavery in Egypt on the Passover. Jesus was troubled in spirit because soon He would fulfill that which was symbolized by the Passover. He would set us free from our slavery to Satan and sin. The price of our redemption would be paid by Jesus Himself. Even though Jesus was God, He was also fully man. In His humanity, Jesus understood what was about to transpire and His heart was deeply moved. 

All the events of that night and the following day didn’t happen because of the betrayal of Judas, the hatred of the Jewish leaders, or the wickedness of the Roman occupiers. Everything occurred according to God’s plan. Judas’ betrayal did not catch Jesus by surprise. Jesus reminded Judas that heaven was orchestrating the events that night. Not even someone as evil as Judas could oppose God’s plans. When we face difficulties and are attacked by Satan and the world, we need to take comfort in knowing that God is ruling in heaven. Our assailants cannot overcome God’s plan. The Lord is permitting them to act against us in order to fulfill His perfect will.

The disciples were confused by Jesus’ announcement. How is it possible that one of His disciples could do such a thing? Those of us in ministry know that our co-workers often disappoint us. Some are always trying to show off, but only end up putting their foot in their mouths just as Peter did on so many occasions. Others are like Judas who smile on the outside, while stabbing us in the back. When we focus on our co-workers’ impure motives and sinful actions, we can easily grow weary and want to give up the work. Opposition from the outside causes us to pull together in unity and persevere in prayer to defeat the challenges we face. But problems that come from within are more difficult to face. Throughout our time of ministry together, we have built a camaraderie based on our mutual experiences. Times of opposition have taught us to trust our co-workers. When our trusted co-workers turn on us and betray us, we are filled with crushing disappointment. We expect the world to reject us, but how is it possible that our co-workers could be so cruel to us, we ask.

After hearing Jesus’ announcement, the disciples immediately wondered who it was that Jesus was referring to. They could not figure out who Jesus meant. Sadly, Jesus’ followers were unable to differentiate between a true disciple and a false disciple. Throughout their ministry together, the disciples often argued among themselves. In their minds, every one of the other disciples was a possible betrayer. Imagine. After three years together, they could not discern the change in Judas’ heart. Perhaps this happened because they were too focused on their own selfish ambitions rather than on God’s plan. 

Application:  Are you so blinded by your own ambition, that you don’t understand God’s plan?