Jingle Jangle

Jesus offers much. His Name is a Wonderful Counselor and an Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6). He walks as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He redeems us by extending His body and blood as the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2).

“This is my body which is given for you…This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.” - Luke 22:19-20

Let's just say there's a lotta gifts on the table when you go with Jesus. But like your birthday, just because someone bought you a present, doesn't mean it's yours yet, right? You have to reach out and accept it. And if your family is anything like mine, there is a price to pay for receiving a present. It's called a thank-you-note. For even at a secular level, it's understood that nothing is free. Your aunt hauled to a store and picked out just the perfect socks. It cost her something to give you something. Our response matters.

Let's look at one of the twelve disciples who accepted the socks, but didn't write a thank-you-note. His name was Judas. Please open your Bibles to John 13:18-30...

"I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.' Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."

When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.

Now there was reclining on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.

Then, reclining back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?"

Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, 'But those things we need for the feast,' or that he should give something to the poor.

Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night."

Take a moment. What caught your attention from the text? Notice it before God.

Unlike when the other disciples accepted the bread and wine, Satan entered Judas. Why? Why did Satan gain legal access to enter Judas? I believe the answer to this intricate theological question jingled in the pockets of Judas.

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. - Matthew 26:14-16

Our response matters. Judas had thirty pieces of silver in his pocket while he took the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Only God knows what would've happen if Judas had thrown the coins down at the feet of Jesus and repented for his greediness. But like the Lord said, Scriptures gotta be fulfilled.

Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted,

Who at my bread,

Has acted as a traitor - Psalm 41:9

We all have coins in our pockets. You may often illustrate that you're a follower of God, but in the deepest parts of your heart there are still coins you cling to. Ask God. What treasure do I store up on earth? What coins am I stuffing into my pockets? His Presence is full of grace. The Lord will not overburden you. He will always provide a way to overcome (1 Corinthians 13:10).

There is a cost to accepting the body and blood of Jesus. Mature Christians would tell you the cost is everything. All them coins - a penny of pride, a dime of disobedience, a quarter of control. In return, He gives you Himself.

Reference Verses

• For unto us a Child is born.

  Unto us a Son is given

  And the government will be upon His shoulder

  And His name will be called

  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

  • Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

• ...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

• And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

  • 1 John 2:2 (KJV)

• And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

  • Luke 22:19-20 (KJV)

• No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message)