Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 13:16-20

If you knew in detail what would happen tomorrow, would you plan for a favorable outcome?

Jesus had all the advantages of divine omniscience, yet he freely and knowingly welcomed Judas into his intimate circle of friends.

“But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.” 

John 13:18

It was not written in the stars for Judas to betray; he was always free to choose love rather than betrayal. Jesus’ expression of sorrow at the table was an invitation for Judas to change his mind. 

“From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.”

John 13:19

Why did Jesus, the divine, all-knowing I AM of the voice from the burning bush, not prevent his own betrayal? Ultimately, divine love prevails over self-preservation. Love does not avoid enemies, but forgives them and even dies for them. Love is the grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies, bringing forth new life. 

-GMC