even Judas was loved

"The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born" Mark 14:21 (NIV)


"How Cruel!" you might say. How can Jesus, an advocate of life, ever wish for someone not be granted life? This passage was part of the scripture reading from our church's commemoration of the Lord's Supper last night. When I got to this part, I tried to put on Judas' shoes (or sandals) and tried to see what kind of response would he have given after hearing Jesus hint about things to come. Especially if he was playing the kiss and tell part.

It must have been hard for Judas to keep a straight face right after Jesus spoiled his plan. What was Jesus thinking? Why did he keep it a blind item from the other apostles? Some people say that Judas played a vital role on Christ fulfilling the scriptures...did he? really? well...here's what I think!

The first part of the verse is like an assurance that the plan will push through as it was prophesied before ("The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him...") This validates the sovereignty of God...once it is planned by God, it will be accomplished. Even if Judas did not betray Jesus, the plan of salvation will still take effect...the sins of the world will be paid and God's justice will be satisfied. I believe that even if Judas changed his mind and chose to believe in Jesus, the pharisees will not stop until Jesus is killed! Judas chose the path of unbelief and he was pitied.

"...But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man!..." I believe that Jesus was not being sarcastic at this point. He was genuinely concerned and showed love by indirectly telling Judas "hey...i know you're gonna turn me over...why won't you ever believe that I'm the Messiah?" Can you imagine witnessing so much miracles coming from Jesus, a minute by minute encounter with God in human form, and free life lessons from the great Teacher and still deny? Woe to that man indeed.

And finally we get to the last part of the verse "...It would be better for him if he had not been born." Have you ever said that? have you been so pissed at somebody that you have thought about this phrase or even said it out loud? Well...don't think that this verse gives you every right to be God...because you're not and Jesus is! His spiritual discernment is above everyone. From His standpoint of compassion, he understood that if Judas would not come to repentance, it's better if he was not even born. I don't think Jesus said it with hate...Jesus was merely giving Judas a second chance to listen and assimilate the things he has been witnessing. There was still time...but we all know what happened next.

Everyone on earth is given a chance to have faith in the one true God. No one is born for hell...there's always a chance to escape the fire. The love of God is so unconditional and impersonal that no one is exempted. So if you think that an enemy of yours is not worthy of heaven...think again! because even Judas was loved.