TOPICS FROM PRACTICE: Why did Judas betray Jesus?

At practice on Sunday, we discussed Judas's betrayal of Jesus.  We talked about the various theories for why he did it - that he'd lost faith, that he was trying to force Jesus's hand, that he was greedy - and ultimately all scripture tells us clearly is "Satan entered him".  This logically raises the question "If Satan entered Judas and drove what he did, was Judas set up?"  This is an especially important question in light of Matthew's clear demonstration that Jesus was in control all the time.

I recommend this short article on the topic, if you've ben wondering about this.  It's especially appropriate today - "Maundy Thursday"- as we remember the Last Supper and the subsequent betrayal.

Jesus chose Judas to be a part of the twelve, but yet knew he would betray him (Mark 14:18, 21; John 6:70). Luke tells us in Luke 22:3 that, “Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot.”
So, was Judas a mindless zombie, set on an uncontrollable mission by the hand of God to betray Jesus?
No.
God did not force Judas’ hand. Judas made conscious choices every step of the way and eventually he chose to betray Jesus.

TOPICS FROM PRACTICE: Passover

The Jewish day begins at sunset, so Passover actually began last night.  But today is the first full day of the holiday.  As Gentile Christians, we don't often talk much about Passover (unless we're reading through Exodus) but Holy Week coincided with Passover in Jesus Day.  Click on the images below to learn a little more about the day from Chosen People Ministries.  The first walks you thru a normal Passover Seder, the second walks thru how the symbols of Passover relate to Jesus.