Jesus' Betrayal

It was the epitome of hypocrisy that Jesus should be betrayed with a kiss, a sign of affection. Yet although Judas was blameworthy, so were they all: Peter denied him twice, and all  the disciples forsook him and fled. They knew that  they had the potential for  this evil within themselves, for when Jesus had said that same night that one of them would betray him, each asked, "Is it I?" What of us? Must we not ask as well: "Is it I?" -and acknowledge our sinful hearts. Yet behold the wondrous manner in which God works all  things out for good. For had not Judas betrayed Christ, he would not have  been handed over, nor tried before Pilate, nor crucified, nor redeemed us, nor gained victory over death and hell by his glorious resurrection. Ponder this, Christian! Though Peter and the others had deep regret over their failures, yet God still in his abundant grace worked all thing out--even their failures, mysteriously--for  their good. And so does he treat us. All because of the forgiveness of sins earned by his Passion, and given in the Holy Supper which he instituted that same night. Ponder how much that forgiveness means: that everything rueful or regrettable in your own past is to be undone by the glorious victory he gives to us, and the everlasting life guaranteed by his resurrection from the dead. Sermon for Lent IV midweek.