Passion Week – Part 3 – Momentum Swing
Momentum is a powerful force in sports. On Thursday of Holy Week, momentum shifted and the weak link in the chain Finally appeared. Teams are only as strong as their weakest link. As coaches we all try to hide that weak link, we try to do everything we can to avoid letting that link cost the team. Many times we spend more time and effort coming up with schemes trying to hide the weak link, than we do trying to emphasis our strengths.
Jesus knew exactly who the weak link on his team of twelve was. The story is told in John chapter 12. When Mary broke the jar of expensive Spikenard Perfume and washed Jesus feet, Judas weakness and true love showed up as he asked Mary why she would waist something so expensive on Jesus feet. 11 ounces of this perfume was speculated to cost as much as $25,000 in today’s market. Why would Mary use something so expensive to wash Jesus feet? Would you spare any cost if Jesus had recently raised your brother from the grave. Mary was celebrating what Jesus had done for Lazarus. Judas has to say something, so he slyly ask why would you do this when you could sell it and give to the poor. John reveals Judas heart saying Judas was a selfish thief. Jesus finally speaks up and tells Judas to leave Mary alone giving a hint to what was soon to come.
As time draws near for Jesus to begin His endurance of the crucifixion, Jesus throws a curve ball and washes the disciples feet to show them an authentic example of how they are to love each other. From there Jesus sends Peter and John ahead to Jerusalem to prepare the upper room for his last family dinner.
At dinner, Jesus shares his heart, Luke 22:15-19, then explains that He is the sacrifice and establishes what we know as communion. Jesus then set His death and suffering in motion. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” John 13:27
For 30 pieces of Silver, $3000 in today’s cash, Judas sold his soul. Judas brings the soldiers to the Garden of Gethsemane where Peter, James and John are with Jesus praying. Judas seals his destiny with a kiss. A decision that he could not undue. In complete realization of what he did, Judas takes his own life.
Peter was ready to go down fighting as he takes off a soldiers ear with a dagger, but Jesus puts the ear back in place and chooses to save us instead.