A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 14:17-21)

“While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.’ …The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.’” (See Mark 14:17–21 for full text)

In Mark 14:17–21, Jesus revealed to his disciples during their last meal together that one of them would betray him. Deeply saddened, each disciple responded with, “Surely you don’t mean me?” Whether or not Judas the betrayer responded this way with sincerity in unknown. He may have been completely self-deceived or brazenly committed to seeking Jesus’ demise. In any case, Jesus reached out with mercy one last time with these words: “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Attempting to alert Judas to the fact that he would be crucified no matter what, Jesus gives him one last chance to reclaim his life purpose. It was the highest form of treachery to betray one with whom you had just eaten. Yet Jesus loved Judas to the very end. Serving leaders are defined by extreme love and forgiveness.

KEY QUESTIONS: How honest am I with those who are choosing self-destructive paths in life? How can I combine compassion and truth when attempting to alert others to the consequences of their choices? Would others define me by extreme love and forgiveness?