Caiaphas’ dream
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday of Holy Week
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032713.cfm
Matthew 26:14-16
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
All of us were disgusted with Judas, but not particularly surprised. There is darkness, somehow, in the center of the light that seems to surround Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus is arrogant and sure of himself just when he shouldn’t be. Surely his healings are accomplished through evil, not good. He pulls the hood over everyone’s eyes.
Last night I dreamed about Jesus. When Judas came in to us today, I remembered the dream. Jesus was standing alone, watching a sunset, and I was watching him. Tears flowed from his eyes. Everyone had abandoned him, and I thought he was reliving his life. Meaningless, after all. Then he turned towards me and smiled a little. I wondered what he was thinking. His eyes made me nervous. Then he looked away, sat down, and became very still. He knew I was watching him. Then I woke up.
I know what I need to do. Judas’ offer to us makes it that much easier. Not everyone agrees with me, but when I read Isaiah, I know this is the moment I must “set my face like flint.”
Isaiah writes this about the Messiah, but it also applies today, to me: “The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear. I have not rebelled, have not turned back.”
It is good to lead the people at this crucial time. The Romans will crush us unless we are very careful. God is on our side, and God will guide us in everything we do. I am listening carefully. Jesus must die for the sake of the safety of our people.
Isaiah said this too: “If anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord God is my help; who will prove me wrong?”
Lord, in your great love, answer me. I will praise your name in song and glorify you in thanksgiving. You uplift our humiliating thoughts and revive our hearts. We are poor and in bondage, but you do not abandon us. You lift us up. Lord, in your great love, you answer.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1180
