It is clear that Jesus knew that he was to betrayed. He knew exactly what Judas was planning to do. The betrayal was no surprise to Jesus. We know this since he forewarns his disciples and tells Judas to do what he is going to do and to do it quickly. Even David seems to prophesy of Judas when he says, “The friend who had my trust, who shared my table, has scorned me.” If God knew that this was about to happen—
- That Judas was about to betray him;
- That the Disciples would abandon him;
- That we will sin against him-
then were Judas, the disciples and are we merely robots and predestined to betray and hurt our Lord?
We can’t deny that God is all knowing, and we can be thankful for that. In his wisdom, he knew that we would need salvation, and he also knew how salvation history would play out. So he definitely knew what Judas would do—what the disciples would do—-what we will do —-. But God doesn’t control our actions! It is up to each of us to decide what to do with our life. God never takes away free will. True, God has a plan for us. But it is up to us to accept that plan or choose a different way.
This doesn’t mean that God intended for Judas or anyone else to be condemned. Scripture declares that God “wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4). Certainly, Jesus wanted Judas to ask forgiveness for his actions. Judas even regretted deeply having betrayed Jesus, and tried to return the money to the chief priests and elders. But, his remorse got the better of him and he ended up killing himself (Matt 27:3-5). It seems that Judas closed his heart to that forgiveness.
Earlier in the Bible, Jesus states that there is only one sin that cannot be forgiven. That is the sin against the Holy Spirit. It is this refusal to accept that the Holy Spirit is infinitely merciful and all forgiving that is the greatest sin, since it diminishes one’s appreciation of the power and strength of God. It was Judas’ failure to believe in the mercy and forgiveness of God—that, if sought, God would grant forgiveness even for his sin of betrayal. If sought, God will grant forgiveness of our sins of betrayal. It must be sought. We must request it. We cannot refuse to believe or accept that God can forgive us or, we, like Judas, would execute the same unforgivable sin.
There are so many lessons for us.
- First, as mysterious as it may seem, God does know everything that will happen – even though he has given us a free will.
- Second, even when we make the wrong choices, there is always the hope of redemption in Christ. No matter how difficult it might be to stop condemning ourselves after making some poor decision, we must always remember the incredible mercy and love of Jesus. Jesus can forgive us. His love, mercy and power are infinite.
So, if you are still burdened by some past sin, be free of it today! Don’t be ashamed to walk in the hope of the promises that Jesus wants to fulfill for you. Seek his forgiveness and rest assured that you will receive all that you ask and more.
practicalcatholicblog 