Judas

By Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret.

He is, in many ways, from our human perspective, an enigma. Why, after spending so much time in Jesus’ presence and such intimate time with the other eleven disciples, did Judas betray Jesus with a kiss, and exchange the priceless Son of God for 26 pieces of silver? We ask why, but God knew why all along. 

There is no indication in Scripture that Judas would become a traitor until he argued that the expensive perfume poured lovingly on Jesus’ feet should have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor, for his own selfish desires, of course. This was the first indication that ulterior motives existed in Judas’ heart. So often, the first signs of in-genuineness shows itself in the matters of money, sex, or alcohol (or similar addictions). Judas was addicted to money.

With the fact that Judas was the treasurer of Jesus’ “team,” he handled the money, which he, in turn, embezzled. 

Most embezzlers are not found out until it is too late. So it was with Judas. His deceptiveness was not revealed, at least to the eleven, until he became the betrayer. Peter, also, betrayed Jesus, but repented and committed his all to Him. 

Judas saw Jesus’ deeds, witnessed His miracles, heard His sermons, benefitted from His personal teaching of the apostles, yet never became a believer. How could that be? Why did he not see? Why were his ears dull? Why was his heart hard? These are questions everyone should ponder in light of your own salvation. Why are you yourself not also a Judas?

A bible passage of severe warning to pretenders exists in Hebrews 6:4-8. Does Judas fit this description? Apparently, he is very well described here. How many in the church can exemplify such sad character and behavior? We find this warning to test our own characters, to ask how genuine is our personal devotion to Jesus Christ. 

Hebrews 6 verse 9 to the end of the chapter speaks to those who have used verses 4-8 to question whether their own faith is authentic, and when discovered to be genuine, are thus encouraged by these contrary words spoken of the true sons of faith. 

Dear brothers and sisters, may Judas be a warning to you who are in danger of falling away because you have never come to the Savior with full-hearted commitment and surrender of yourselves totally to Him. Do not let worldly distractions get in the way of how you feel, and think, and believe about Jesus!

Judas is a grave warning to each of you in your own faith to examine whether your faith resulted in your being “born again,” that is, regenerated by the Spirit of God. Being born again, you are forever transformed into the adopted child of God. Hebrews 6:4-8 does not describe you. Rather, verses 9-12 do. 

Judas was to us an enigma because he had enormous opportunity of personal blessing and, even more, eternal salvation, but he squandered it all for his love of money. He is a lesson to each of us to surrender completely to the LORD of Glory, and give to Him all that is within you. You shall have absolutely no regret, as Judas had such enormous regret when he hung himself.

Encouragement