Appointed To Bear Fruit: A 90 Day JourneySample

Our Gracious God

Judas was sitting at the table with the other disciples. As the others were inquiring about who would betray Jesus, Judas joined in asking: “Is it I, Rabbi?” (Matt. 26:25). Judas already let Jesus wash his feet. He put up a charade by joining the others in asking who would betray Jesus. Now he was receiving the bread from Jesus. Judas was such a hypocrite. More than that, Judas’ heart was hardened to the grace of God. His heart should have broken when Jesus kneeled before him to wash his feet. He should have been moved to repentance when he heard Jesus speak about His betrayal. Jesus’ act of love in handing Judas the bread should have convicted Judas of his sin and brought him to salvation. Judas is so faithless. In one night Jesus extended him three forms of grace, yet Judas repeatedly rejected that grace.

Once Judas received the bread, Satan sprang into action. Grace was rejected. Because Judas had hardened his heart to Jesus, Judas’ heart was hardened by God. Now Judas was Satan’s servant. It’s sad that God’s patience is considered a sign of weakness by the proud-hearted. Our hearts are sinful and our actions are evil. When we sin and discover that God doesn’t immediately punish us, we may feel as though we don’t have to worry about sin because it’s no big deal. But, we then proceed to further trod upon the grace of God. God is patiently waiting for us to repent. Don’t assume that you will always be given another chance to repent. Many who seem to be so holy are in fact hypocrites. They harden their hearts to the grace of God, and repentance is far from them. Not long after they harden their hearts, they are handed over to Satan. 

The Lord’s Supper is a serious event. We should keep in mind Paul’s words about receiving the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner (I Cor. 11:27-30). If grace is given through the Lord’s Supper, then we should humble ourselves and confess our sins. Paul urges us to “examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (II Cor. 13:5). Each time we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we should first examine our hearts to determine our spiritual health and confess any sins that are dishonoring to the Lord. 

When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we remember that our sins were forgiven at a great price. Jesus gave His life to pay our debt. The wrath of God was poured out on Jesus so that His grace could flow to us. Don’t continue to treat sin as an inconsequential thing. You can’t deceive or manipulate the Lord. When you receive the bread and wine, remember the humility of Christ who willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for us so that we might receive His grace.

Judas received bread from Jesus. Jesus then gave the command to Judas to get to work. The plan to betray Jesus was activated. But, the evil actions of Judas would result in the greatest blessing for all mankind. It was time for the Father’s plan of salvation to be fulfilled. Although the disciples didn’t understand what was happening that night, Jesus knew. He knew that Judas was handed over to Satan. The wicked betrayal of Judas would open the door of heaven for all who believe. It’s hard to accept God’s plan, but our lack of understanding and the betrayal by evil people cannot keep God’s plan from being successfully completed. God is sovereign. 

Application:  Are there sins that you need to confess today?