Infinitum Lent JourneySample

Today we will continue to consider Generosity & Me in the context of Lent.

We have observed the corporate generosity that was part of the DNA of the Jesus caravan in our reading. Praise the Lord. It can be a challenge and an inspiration for each of us in our spiritual collectives, from family to church (or, even larger, to denomination!).

The only weakness with corporate challenges is letting individuals off the hook. I may personally want for our collective to exercise more generosity, but I can’t make them decide this – I can’t change the heart of the group!

So, today’s bit puts each of us uncomfortably back on the hook.

Here’s John 13:28-29 in the Voice:

“No one understood Jesus’ instructions to Judas. 29 Because Judas carried the money, some thought he was being instructed to buy the necessary items for the feast or give some money to the poor.”

Our first keyword here is ‘some.’ Virtually every English version renders it ‘some’ (all but YLT that we could find). It is legitimate—here’s the Greek: tines = a certain one, someone, anyone; and the tense is plural in the text. So, ‘certain ones’ is also accurate.

Our second is ‘thought.’ Here’s the Greek: edokoun = to have an opinion, to seem; Strong’s—I think, appear; HELPS—suppose, forming an opinion. Sure, ‘thought’ fits nicely, but ‘supposed’ also works well for our purposes.

Yesterday we acknowledged the habit of corporate generosity in the Jesus caravan DNA made it natural to suppose that the early exit of the guy carrying the case meant either a shopping run or benefaction for the indigent.

Today we trade sides of the mirror. Despite something dodgy going on in the hearing of at least some of those at the table (see verses 24-26) and the staggering deadpan of verse 27 (Voice)—“After this occurred, Satan entered into Judas” and possible visible manifestations accompanying it—there were STILL certain ones at the table who supposed Judas was going on a purchasing or donating errand.

These certain ones displayed a generosity of spirit concomitant with companionship with Jesus. Remember our definitions of generosity:

1. “showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected;” Certain ones of these showed a readiness to give Judas the benefit of the doubt, more than could be reasonably (or at least ‘strictly’) expected in this situation;
2. “showing kindness toward others;” Certain ones of the disciples showed a kindness of Judas – goodwill that he hadn’t likely earned;
3. “Larger or more plentiful than is usual or necessary;” Certain ones exhibited large hearts, seeing and expecting and hoping for the best in Judas.

Counter-arguments could be forwarded that these certain ones were naïve, undiscerning dolts (since satan had just entered Judas!). But our generosity of spirit could lean into the lateness of the hour, the fatigue-inducing meal, the sketchy lighting on that occasion, and the cacophony of Jesus’ parked caravan feasting.

Certain ones chose to see the best in someone on his worst day. We could each do well to supernaturally internalize such generosity of spirit.