Why did Jesus Allow the Betrayal?

Following the anointing of Jesus that I talked about yesterday, scripture covers his Entry into Jerusalem and the Washing of the Disciples’ Feet.  Today the reading points to the announcement by Jesus that he will be betrayed.  The betrayer, we will come to see, is Judas.

Jesus tells those gathered about the upcoming betrayal in the Gospel of John, Chapter 13, and today the event unfolds.  I would definitely encourage you to read this as John details the announcement.  The apostles were trying to find out who the betrayer would be.

Interestingly, knowing who his betrayer is, Jesus told Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”

Now Judas has been revealed.  But here’s what I want you to think about.

Jesus knew who was going to betray him, and by his words, “What you are going to do, do quickly” he clearly shows that he allowed it.

The very idea that God allows evil to take place in the world can be very puzzling.  If he can stop it, why doesn’t he?  That is a question for the ages.

Let’s take a look at it, briefly.

At the heart of God allowing man to do evil things is our freedom.  We have the freedom to choose good, which allows for the option of choosing evil as well.

If we did not have the freedom to choose good, we would simply be God’s puppets, and if that were the case, then we would not have the privilege to love, because love is something we can only do freely.  If it were forced, it would not be love.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (¶ 1884) tells us that God has not willed to reserve to himself the exercise of all power.  While he is indeed all-powerful, he trusts that we are capable of carrying on functions according to our own nature, so he allows us to exercise our freedom.

In doing this, as the Catechism says, he gives great witness to his, “great regard for human freedom.”

Jesus, was fully divine and fully human.  He freely chose to go through his passion and death, for us.  In that, we can see the greatest act of love.

Judas, being strictly human, used his freedom to choose poorly and Jesus allowed it.  Jesus (God), is not about to take away that all-important freedom.

Luckily for us, the events that unfold this week reveal the immense love God has for us, as witnessed on Easter by the Resurrection.  It is in the act of Jesus rising from the dead that we can see the eventual good that God brought out of Judas’ betrayal.

And that is how it is in every situation.  That is what gives us cause for hope.  God gives light to the darkness.  He is victorious over sin and death.  And even though he allows evil to take place, it is God’s love and mercy that wins the day.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com
janetcassidy.blubrry.net