Judased

Are we all to love one another, or just some of us?

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ - John 13:34-35

Chances are these words spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper are familiar to you, but have you ever thought about who is in the room when he says them?

More to the point is who is missing?  Judas.

He has just taken the piece of bread offered by Jesus and left, on his way to betray him.  Now some argue that he was just doing as he was told, since Jesus said, "Do quickly what you are going to do."

Judas is not present to hear Jesus give them a new commandment, so does that mean he is exempt?  And should the others not love him?

We believe the commandment to love one another applies to all of us, not just those in the room, so it must apply to Judas as well. 

The problem we have with Judas is we don't have enough information about him and his motive for betraying Jesus.  We don't know, and so we aren't sure if we should love him or hate him, and Jesus doesn't give us a hint here.

Yes, he has told his disciples to love their enemies and to forgive, but what about Judas?

If you believe that Judas was at a disadvantage for not hearing the commandment, then perhaps the message for all of us is to share it with those who may not have heard it.

For Jesus says that by this act, loving one another, people will know we are his disciples.  In that sense, all of us are invited, so long as we hear about it.

So, wouldn't it be wrong to let someone be Judased?

We should all do as Jesus said, but also say what he said as well, giving all a chance.

More to come...