Today marks the day we remember the last supper. It would be the last meal Jesus would have with his disciples before he would be handed over by the religious authorities and crucified by Rome. All evidence suggests Jesus' disciples never believed this was possible (despite Jesus telling them repeatedly this would happen).
As they reclined around the table listening to their friend and rabbi teach them with urgency befitting parting words, they had no idea what was coming in just a matter of hours.
But Jesus did.
He knew that in short time he would condemned, tortured and killed. He also knew that before any of that: betrayal.
Today I am reflecting on the incredible truth that Judas was welcomed at Jesus' table. He was invited to be a disciple. He was entrusted to oversee the finances of Jesus' ministry. By all accounts we have, he was loved by Jesus every bit as the rest of the disciples.
And on the night of the last supper, Jesus bent down, took Judas' dirty feet into hands, and washed them. It was a posture befitting a servant. It was an act of love directed at the very man who would betray him in a few short hours.
In case there's any question, this is the Jesus we worship and serve. This is who He is. And this is the way. His way. The way of self-sacrificial love.
Some days I like to think I'm like John or Peter. But if I'm honest, most days I think I'm a lot more like Judas - doubtful that God can be anywhere near as good as Jesus suggests and tempted at times to sell out for a measly bag of silver.
Today I praise God that even the Judas' of the world are invited around the table of the lamb!
This article was originally posted at www.commonpastor.org. Aaron Loy serves as founding and lead pastor of Commonwealth in Knoxville, TN. He also serves as a founding movement team member of the Creo Collective.