Praying For Judas Iscariot
Psalm 38
Now what kind of thought is that? Praying for Judas Iscariot. Really!!! Let us examine Judas Iscariot.
But there are some of you that believe not: for Jesus knew from the beginning, which they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
John 6:64 GNV
Note that this verse didn’t cover the betrayer, but also those who believed not. But an added point about the knowledge Jesus had as a man this says “from the beginning”.
Now he (Judas Iscariot) said this, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare that which was given.
John 12:6 GNV
Yes, he was the treasurer.
And when supper was done (and that the devil had now put in the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him)
John 13:2 GNV
(This is a necessary pause for thought, but not in the action taking place.)
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come forth from God, and went to God, He riseth from supper, and layeth aside his upper garments, and took a towel, and girded himself. After that, he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel, wherewith he was girded.
John 13:3 - 5 GNV
After washing all the disciples feet including the feet of Judas Iscariot Jesus explained the example of what He had done. And then He says,
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but it is that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me, hath lift up his heel against me.
John 13:18 GNV
Just a brief look at a picture here as part of all that is taking place that must be completed.
I will also put enimity between thee (the devil) and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed. He shall break thine head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Genesis 3:15 GNV
In an interesting twist the devil tries to make is to do the opposite of what the Lord God said in the garden. Now Jesus says, quoting prophecy, that he who ate with me has lifted his heel against me (Psalm 41). The devil was making it look like he would be the victor lifting his heel against the head, Christ the head of the church.
And now am I no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy Name, even them whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy Name: those that thou gavest me, have I kept, and none of them is lost, but the child of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
John 17:11 - 12 GNV
Even in His high priestly prayer only minutes after Judas Iscariot had left and then Jesus and the rest of the disciples had left that upper room Jesus was showing His heartfelt disappointment as fully man that one did have to "be lost" yet knowing as fully God it must happen. Judas Iscariot, disciple, trusted treasurer and friend, eating other feasts with Him including other Passovers being even such that even though Jesus answered the question of who would betray Him to one of the disciples those disciples thought Judas Iscariot left early to do something more for Jesus.
Even Peter expressed the heart of Jesus in this:
Dearly beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord, as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord of that promise is not slack (as some men count slackeness) but is patient toward us, and would have no man to perish, but would all men to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8 - 9 GNV
But why all this about Judas Isacariot? What does all this have to do with Psalm 38? Even the beginning verse makes it obvious that Jesus never prayed this for Himself. There is no question Jesus prayed for His disciples, including the one who would deny Him, the one who would betray Him, all of them.
Anyone who has been brought to the Lord for salvation more than likely has been given the words to say because the one coming to the Lord didn't know how to pray or what to pray. Even in Romans 8 we read that when we're so burdened we cannot speak the Holy Spirit prays for us.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray as we ought: but the Spirit it self maketh request for us with sighs, which cannot be expressed. But he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the meaning of the Spirit: for he maketh request for the Saints, according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26 - 27 GNV
What a blessing that Jesus might have prayed this psalm for the needs of His disciples and for us the Holy Spirit whom He may pray even this psalm for us even as David wrote it for himself.