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Day Five: Saturday

The Key Word Is Forgiveness

Read John 13:18-30.

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me” (v. 21).

I can imagine the scene: the casual glances around the room, the shifts in posture, the sideways looks, and the sense of affront elicited by a well-

honed truth.

And I know that look, the one the disciples give Jesus when he calls them out. I used to teach middle school and, believe me, I know. It’s the same look a thirteen-year-old boy will give when you stop him on his way to doing something inappropriate, and he simply can’t fathom how in the universe his teacher can read his mind so clearly. So he employs the only strategy he knows—denial.

“Not me, Lord; no how, no way. . . .” I can see them, twelve guys nervously fidgeting in their seats, ready to finger one of their friends. Because they all know that they are capable, they all know that betrayal had already happened in so many ways, and they are all wondering if Jesus had really figured them out.

Well, they need not have worried. One of the great things about Jesus is that he does figure us out. That kind of realization takes the pressure off, really. There’s comfort in the understanding that we can’t fool God any more than we can fool ourselves.

Remember how the Teacher pointed out that the truth has the power to set each one of us free (John 8:32)? It’s a principle that sets up the imperative for honesty and allows you—in fact requires you—to take things from there.

CONFESSION

Why do you think that confession forms such an important element in traditional worship? Because confession clears the air so well and gives us a chance to acknowledge on our own volition the truth that God already knows:

Yes, I’ve messed up.

Yes, I confess that I have and always will come up short of God’s best.

Yes, I know that I need forgiveness—and in so many ways.

I remember one particular life-changing New Year’s resolution that I made one optimistic New Year’s Day. It was nothing like “lose weight,” “jog daily,” or “use my credit card less,” although I must admit each of those ideas has merit. No, this one was my best resolution ever. “I resolve to actively and deliberately try to be the presence of Christ in my work environment,” I said. It proved to be one of the hardest and best decisions I have ever made.

Being the presence of Christ is a great concept for me, much better than handing out tracts on street corners or doing the whole “angry bullhorn” thing to strangers at the mall or on the street. The problem, however, is my constant failure, my inherent lack of spiritual depth rudely shoving its way through my resolve and into the forefront. That’s when I fall short of being, as Paul puts it, “Christ’s ambassador” (see 2 Cor. 5:20), and I really am betraying Jesus in much the way that he predicted.

COMPLICIT IN BETRAYAL?

Betrayal is a tough concept to consider, and we usually are more than happy to pin the rap on Judas. But remember, Peter also betrayed Jesus. The difference seems to be that Peter accepted forgiveness and then moved on whereas, tragically, Judas was unable to let Jesus love him that way. As for me, I tend to be more like Judas. I need to be open with Jesus and let him love me too.

When we confess our shortcomings, God is faithful and just to forgive us those things that stand between us and God. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10).

The key word in this passage is not betrayal; it’s not even sin. The key word is forgiveness.

Re-read the questions on page 24. In what ways do you need forgiveness most today?

Prayer: We understand that we betray you every day, Jesus. Help us to walk more clearly in your light, and grant us peace as we walk in the truth of the forgiveness that you purchased at such enormous cost. Amen.