Holy Wednesday – John 13:21-32
The Lutheran Diaconal Association – Valparaiso, IN

Saint Judas. Is that an odd phrase? Do we ever name churches after Judas? Or name our children after Judas? Though we do call people “Judas”, when they betray us. The name “Judas” has a strong association, and I think our gospel writer would be pleased. John’s portrayal of Judas is the harshest of any gospel. Jesus introduces him when he tells his disciples, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” (6:71) Awkward! We barely know Judas’ name, and already we know that he’s a devil. And John adds, “The one who would betray.” Judas is stamped from the beginning.

The next time we meet him is when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume. (12:1-8) John has Judas pitch a fit. The perfume could have been sold and money given to the poor. Again, John emphasizes, “the one who was about to betray Jesus”. But then John unloads. He didn’t care about the poor. He was a thief. He was an embezzler. I think that pales in comparison to betrayal, but clearly John wants us to know that Judas is a bad man. Except, it’s strange to bring up all this background dirt. Because when we get to the last supper, John says that the devil had already put it into Judas’ heart to betray Jesus. So what’s really going on here? Is it some silver coins that move Judas, or is Satan just pulling his strings? It’s ambiguous. After all, Jesus could exorcise a legion of demons, but not help his possessed friend? It invites re-interpretation.