”And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
Does anyone out there remember a corny sci-fi TV show from the ’60s called, “Lost in Space?” I don’t remember a lot about it, but I do remember that the character named Dr. Smith. He was always trying to cause trouble. Oddly, the people he was trying to hurt always seemed to be willing to overlook his faults at the end of each show.
Jesus has a similar problem. He has twelve disciples who travel with him everywhere. They know everything about Jesus and every move he makes. Jesus loves them all but one of them is his enemy.
Judas has been stealing money from the disciple’s common resources. (John 12: 6) Judas has been speaking out against an act of kindness towards Jesus because of money. (John 12: 5) And Judas has been plotting with the chief priests to betray Jesus for money. (Matthew 26: 14 – 16) Clearly, Judas values money more than spiritual treasure. Because of this love of money rather than God, Judas is an enemy of Jesus. Yet here he is with the rest of the disciples enjoying the Passover meal.
Jesus knows Judas is going to betray him. (John 6: 64, John 13: 10) Jesus knows Judas is an enemy. Knowing this he still washes his feet.
This washing of the feet was considered a servant’s work. It was also considered a kindness, even common courtesy. If Jesus was willing to extend this kindness to the man who would betray him to be crucified a few hours later, who on earth can I refuse a kindness to?
Let’s Discuss: How are we to understand Jesus being kind to Judas? What does it mean for us?
It’s amazing the contrast that is being drawn here, that of Judas and Christ. A lot of times I think we feel justified to treat people contingent to their character or behavior, but Christ shows us that we are to treat them respective to ours.
I believe there is immense peace in being able to live this out. As we cannot control others this shouldn’t be our focus, but we can always lead by way of example as Christ has shown.
That said, there are times for seemingly harsher and more critical responses; such as the many times Christ addressed the Pharisees; having even driven them out w/ violence on occasion.
I’ve actually seen well intending individuals offer others a disservice by being overly “kind.” I’ve fallen on both sides of the aisle here.
Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to speak the truth in love or administer discipline. I’m not speaking of doing any of these things in a hypocritical manner, obviously.
As a contrast, we can find instruction under certain circumstances to even turn one over to Satan.
“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
– 1 Corinthians 5:5
And shortly hereafter,
“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11
I don’t think many would consider these responses kind. This goes against what we perceive. But that is to remove it from a more holistic comprehension of what all is involved.
We’ve become inundated by a culture that bases such an association strictly w/in an emotional framework. For many, how we make others “feel” has become our working definition of kindness.
Yet we are admonished to:
“…walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
As a general rule, I can always work to practice greater kindness, but I am often surprised at how many times in our present age this actually entails what will be perceived as antagonistic, the exact opposite.
I’m not downplaying how we make someone feel. This is important, but generally speaking this is a byproduct of kindness put into practice and not the thing itself. When the former is elevated beyond the latter it becomes a stumbling block or even an idol.
As a personal note, I would always rather have someone be honest with me than kind, but if they can offer me both then they are well on their way to earning my respects.
NMOP3PISdn,
You raise a number of important perspectives on this topic. You begin with this: “I think we feel justified to treat people contingent to their character…” What catches my eye here is that it is so easy for us to fall into the trap of judging another’s character when we don’t have all of the information. Only Jesus knows the heart. Only Jesus is in a position to speak to the Pharisees as he does because of who He is and what He knows. The rest of us… not so much. 🙂 Now your point about behavior is another matter… Thank you for sharing!
I appreciate the thoughts – well said NMOP3PISdn.
Jesus tells us to do some difficult things. Things like love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, and forgive others as you want God to forgive you. Sometimes they are so difficult the question is: Is He serious? One way we know He must be serious is because of what He modeled, such as in the case of Judas. What it means for us is to live as Jesus did. A great calling and a difficult one at the same time.
Rich,
Thank you! It is an amazing thing that we are called to do. Only through the grace of a loving God is it possible.
As Rich stated, we are to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us. I don’t think this contradicts church discipline, but highlights that as Christians we need to live in a way that is distinct from the world. If someone is unrepentant about sin while claiming Christ, we shouldn’t treat that person as a true Christian.
I definitely trend towards non-confrontation when possible. At the same time I’m fine with holding my ground on a decision or addressing unrepentant sin. In some ways Judas was a special case (Jesus accepted the cross), but even still Jesus called him out on it.
Thanks Nathan!
I’ve been thinking about this point. I wonder if Jesus washing the feet of Judas left him as “clean” as the other disciples? If Judas had turned to Jesus and away from Satan at that point would he still be among the Twelve? Sadly for Judas, the life choices he had made were well entrenched. He was not able to turn away from that path and shortly after Satan would enter him fully. (John 13: 27)