Which Side Are You On?

During the last supper, there were two particular disciples sitting at the sides of Jesus. There was one on the right and one on the left. Judas, the one who dipped his hand with Jesus on the table, was on one side and John the beloved, who leaned on Jesus, was on the other side. John was on the “right” side of Jesus, but not Judas.

“20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” 23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.”

Matthew 26:20-25

Two thieves were also on the sides of Jesus at his crucifixion. One on the right and one on the left. One received mercy and the other received condemnation. The one who received mercy was on the “right” side of Jesus; he asked for mercy and Jesus answered him.

“39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, [a]“If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said [b]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:39-43

Now, it’s your turn to decide which side of Jesus you are on. What category do you fall into? How is your relationship with Christ? Are you a betrayer or a lover? Are you condemned or justified? Make your choice today and remember that tomorrow may be too late.

From another perspective, there are also people that will be on your sides; one who looks out for your best interest and one who does not (although they may act like they do). Treat them as Jesus did; with love and mercy. Learn from Jesus Christ because his life was a living example. Note that you too are always on someone’s side. Are you on their “right” side? Are you an encourager or a destroyer? Are you a friend or a foe? Are you a prayer warrior or a gossiper? Are you a fervent or lukewarm Christian?

The choice is yours! I pray that God will direct you to make the right choice. Seek guidance from His word, by prayer and by counseling.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the words of wisdom. I choose the good part, I choose to be on the right side; as a friend not as an enemy, as an encourager not as a destroyer, as a child of God not a child of destruction. Have mercy upon me and give me the grace to always choose right in Jesus Christ Mighty Name I have prayed.  Amen! 

Writer: Pastor Mrs. Dorcas Akinleyimu