In John there is this story about Jesus resting at the well of Sychar. A woman comes up the path from the city at this time. by herself, carrying her water jar, just wanting to get it done. Jesus and her start a conversation. But we don’t know her name. We don’t know it. It’s never given to us. Yet as we see her and Jesus conversing at the well we see her warming up to Jesus. Until she goes back into the city and gathers her neighbors to meet Jesus. What kind of time Jesus has with her is recognized by her response to him, it’s a good relationship. This Samaritan woman gets what she needed which was more than she wanted when she came to the well.
Later we encounter a relationship where we know his name. Judas Iscariot. When we see his name we think betrayer. No one names their beloved son Judas. We wouldn’t think of it. Judas was a Jesus-chosen man. A beloved one. One of twelve. He went out with another disciple and experienced God’s power work miraculously through him. When it came to his hour of decision, Jesus helps him get there. Jesus doesn’t stop him from making a wrong choice. Jesus’ relationship with Judas causes Judas to later retract his contract with the Jews and give back the 30 pieces of silver. But he can’t stop what his betrayal initiated and it would conclude at the cross and be elevated beyond time and space by Jesus’ resurrection. But Judas can’t see himself freed by repentance and subsequently hangs himself. Jesus was there for him if he would have only turned to Him.
Jesus knows us. Whether we are without a name in history or reviled like Judas, Jesus is there to take us in.
When we think of this possibility, we immediately think we’re crazy. Peter is known by Jesus and that seems right and good. And we like thinking we’re like Peter. Denials aren’t as bad as betrayals in our minds. But to consider Jesus’ graciousness to Judas and how he opened up a possible divide where one pathway led back to Jesus and the other to betraying Jesus to the Sanhedrin. Whatever you are going to do, do quickly, Jesus instructs Judas. The hour in the valley of decision is where Judas sets his direction away from Jesus. Why didn’t he ask for the Messiah’s help as the Samaritan woman did?
Jesus knows. Why should we not ask for his guidance and help? The Psalmist does so in Psalm 139. He asks for help to take the directions of his daily life and concludes in his aiming for something bigger, eternal life. I want this too. I hope you do too. When you know Jesus knows, why go to anyone else but to Jesus? He can lead you to a fully integrated life where you can meet all of life’s challenges.