April 16, 2024 — The Coffee Shop Devotions: The “Green-Eyed” Monster

“After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.  Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples.  So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” John 18:1-11

The “Green Eye” coffee drink, following the theme I have been using for the last two days, has three shots of espresso added to a regular cup of coffee for the really, really jittery coffee drinker.   It certainly sounds to me like the classic “Green Eyed Monster”. After all, I like my coffee, but three shots in a regular cup of coffee just seems to be over the top.

Over the top is what we might use to describe the behavior of Judas in the betrayal of Jesus. Judas has been identified throughout the Gospels as the one who betrays Jesus, hands him over, gives him up to the religious and Roman authorities to be arrested, accused of blasphemous teachings, and crucified. Judas is the “Green Eyed Monster” of the crucifixion story. Some would say that if it wasn’t for Judas, Jesus may not have died such a horrible death. And yet, in the Gospel of Judas Iscariot, a different picture of the relationship between Jesus and his friend Judas emerges. In this non-canonical gospel, Jesus and Judas are friends, and Judas is seen as assisting Jesus in doing what he knows he needs to do.
Who or what is the “Green Eyed Monster” in your life or in your faith life? When our lives cause us to become just a little too jittery, or afraid, remember: Jesus has drunk the cup that the Father has given him – through the crucifixion and into the resurrection. This should free us to live into a fearless faith life. In the Gospel of Judas, he tells Jesus that he has a dream where he is stoned to death by the other disciples. “Green Eyed Monster” or friend of Jesus, Judas did what he needed to do. Seen in that light, we need to do for Jesus what we are called to do as well.

Pastor Dave

April 15, 2024 — The Coffee Shop Devotions: A Black Eye A Day….

“Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.  But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.  Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”  He said, “I am not.”  Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.”  John 18:15-18

I mentioned a “secret” menu that exists at a local coffee establishment.  Another drink they have on the “secret” menu is a “Black Eye”, which like the Red Eye is regular coffee, but instead of just one shot of espresso the “Black Eye” has two shots of espresso added to the regular coffee. These must be some jittery coffee drinkers. I have also heard that drinks from the “secret menu” are not supposed to be called out from the coffee bar – I guess they have things that they want to keep hidden for some reason or another – sort of the same way Peter would have liked to remain hidden at the time of Jesus’ arrest and trial. Peter is called out by one of the local by-standers as he awaits the fate of Jesus, and this makes him really nervous.  He is afraid that if he is identified as one of Jesus’ followers, he too may be arrested and put on trial.

Have you ever found yourself wanting to hide the fact that you are a follower of Jesus? How did you feel afterward? Did you feel as if you had a black eye afterward – or literally had given Jesus a black eye? Are you with me…..can I get an Amen? One of the more difficult parts of being a follower of Jesus is learning how to be a follower each and every day – on those days where we are burned out, and the days where we are afraid. But remember this: just like Peter is redeemed by Jesus for denying him, Jesus also redeems us even before we deny him, or desert him. Jesus calls us out, not to embarrass us, but to remind us that G-d loves us so much we are forgiven even before we act, or refuse to act.  And that reality should sustain us and compel us to stand up for Jesus – even if it gets us a black eye.

Pastor Dave