Moment of Meditation: Seeking Opportunity (Matthew 26:16)

''And from that moment [Judas] sought an opportunity to betray Him (Matthew 26:16).''

We talk about people being an opportunist. Seeking the opportunity to enhance themselves at the expense of another. So Judas seeks the opportunity to betray Jesus into the hands of the chief priests and elders.

What was Judas' motive? Was it greed? Or was it something a bit more understandable to the rest of the Apostles?

All of the Apostles were waiting for Jesus to declare Himself to be the Messiah and take His place on David's throne in Jerusalem. They wanted the positions of authority in Jesus' kingdom. They often argued about it.

What if Judas' betrayal of Jesus was an effort to speed things up? Jesus' kingdom wasn't coming fast enough. Judas thought this would be the best way to achieve everyone's goals for Jesus. So he looked for a time where Jesus would be easily taken without the crowds. Like the chief priests, Judas didn't believe that a riot would be a good idea.

An opportunity that allowed Jesus' kingdom to come as He died for the sins of the world. An opportunity that all thought was lost. But in His death, Jesus saves us from our sins and the opportunities that they seek against us. Amen.