“Judas Ate, Too”

Maundy Thursday

March 28, 2024

John 13:1-17

There’s a Facebook meme being passed among my colleagues in preparation for Holy Week. It begins by saying “Judas ate, too.[1]” Judas ate, too. Such a simple statement with such profound consequences to the way we see the world. Judas ate, too.

The one who would turn Jesus over to the authorities wasn’t denied grace at the table. The one who took money to betray his friend dipped his bread in the same bowl of oil as Jesus. The one who would turn his back on the ministry and message of the Messiah felt the water run over his feet, just like Peter.

The one we blame for the death of God wasn’t turned away from the love of God.

It’s not just counter-cultural. It goes against everything we practice as a people, as a nation, often even as a church. I remember a recent conversation with someone who emphatically insisted that there are limits to God’s forgiveness. It was an emotional response, not a theological one. She couldn’t fathom God ever forgiving people who have done such atrocities that would lead to things like the Holocaust. God can’t—won’t—forgive Hitler. God can’t—won’t—forgive Judas. God can’t—won’t—forgive…me?

No, I haven’t killed 6 million people. I haven’t killed one person. But I imagine I have killed someone’s spirit—with hurtful words, with a turned back, with a denial, a betrayal. If we’re talking about deserving forgiveness, who gets to decide? If we’re talking about salvation, who draws the line? Me? You? If we’re talking about who is welcome at the table, who is welcome in our community, who is fed and nourished, and who is provided sanctuary, who makes the list?

At what point is someone’s life irredeemable, and thus, inconsequential? The first lie? Or the 6 millionth death? Or somewhere in between?

In 2016, Pope Francis was chastised for washing certain feet on Maundy Thursday. It was the practice that each year, the pope would wash the feet of twelve priests as a sign of service. But Pope Francis doesn’t do that. That year, he washed the feet of immigrants coming into Europe. They were the feet of not only Catholics, but also Coptics, Protestants, Muslims, and Hindus. Several of them had tears in their eyes as they were cared for by one of the most revered people in the world.

The pope has also washed the feet of female inmates, homeless people, and so many others. Not because they deserve it but because they need it. They need to be cared for. They need to be seen. They need to be loved. They need to be forgiven. Just as any one of us does. Washing feet—or hands—isn’t a sign of worthiness but a sign of humanity. It is a recognition that life is complicated and messy. That we all can make some pretty bad decisions. That we all find ourselves in need of new life and forgiveness—even if we, ourselves, don’t recognize that need.

We all need the bread of life. We all need nourishment and hope. And not one of us truly deserves it any more than another. It’s a good thing we don’t have the right to decide who gets God’s love and forgiveness. It would become a short list, indeed.

And so, we come to the table, not out of right but as a response to God’s gracious invitation. Take and eat. Take and drink. My life for yours. No questions asked. Because Judas ate, too.

Hours before the death of Jesus, Judas ate too.

Jesus fed Judas too.

Jesus prayed for Judas too.

Jesus washed Judas’ feet too.

I struggle to fathom what kind of love this is…

A love that would feed the mouth that deceived you.

A love that would wash the feet of the traitor.

A love that could forgive even the vilest of betrayals.

Honestly I struggle to comprehend it.

And then, suddenly, I realize… that I’m Judas too!

And in that moment, I’m so thankful and altogether overwhelmed,

That Judas ate too.

The true test of Christianity is not about loving Jesus but loving Judas.

Showing love to someone like Jesus is so easy,

But loving someone hard to love,

A sinner like Judas is difficult.

That’s what ‘following Jesus’ is all about.

@thewomanbythewell

Pastor Tobi White

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

Lincoln, NE

[1] @thewomanbythewell on Facebook