In today's devotional, we contrast the choices of Jesus and Judas; Jesus to go to the cross and Judas to betray his Lord and master. In our conclusion we said we must make our own choice, it's a choice to follow and give your life to and for Jesus Christ.
Jesus predicted his death at least 4 times in the book of Matthew, it didn't happen because Judas plotting with the religious leaders, were able to arrest him, it happened because Jesus surrendered himself to the will of the Father.
Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
Matthew 26:42 NLT.
Jesus could have given up on going to the cross at anytime if he chose to, but he chose the Father's plan, he chose to die for me and you.
In the same vain, it was Judas' choice to betray Jesus, he was forced, in fact, he could at anytime changed his mind because it took him several attempts to betray Jesus;
"Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
Matthew 26:14-16 NLT.
It was his choice, it was prearranged.
And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.”
Matthew 26:47-48 NLT.
Jesus' choice guaranteed his death and confirmed the enactment of a new and better covenant between God and his people. Judas' choice guaranteed he would lose his place as one of the 12 and spend all of eternity in hell. What will your choice be? Please remember whatever you choose; to accept Jesus or reject him, it comes with eternal consequences.
