Is There A Judas In Each Of Us?

Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

I've known since my youth that Judas was the one who betrayed Jesus and turned him over to the chief priests which led to His death. However, in looking at these verses today, I see this story in a new light.

Judas was one of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus himself. He was the treasurer of the group so he must have been trustworthy and an integral, contributing member of the group. Just as all of the other disciples had done, Judas too, would have given up everything to follow Jesus. This would have included his family, his occupation, and his lifestyle. To do so would lead us to believe Judas thought highly of Jesus, someone worthy enough to give up all to follow Him.

During the time Judas spent as part of Jesus ministry team, he had to have seen the miracles Jesus performed, the compassion he showed the poor, witnessed the healing of the sick, and listened to Jesus teachings. They traveled together and ate and drank together. Jesus showed great love, dedication, and patience toward all but especially toward his disciples. He served them. Judas had to have had similar feelings toward Jesus.

And yet, in these few bible passages, we see a different outcome. Judas made a decision. A decision to deny Jesus. Not only did Judas decide to deny Jesus as Lord - his Lord, but he also sought to destroy Him. He sought to silence Jesus, to strip Jesus of His power, to humble Him, to remove Him from His place of authority, not only in his life but in the lives of others too.

Two extremes. One extreme of love and devotion, a willingness to lay down his life for the one he believes in. Another extreme of self-centeredness and betrayal, a willingness to receive a minor reward in exchange for the life of the one he no longer believes in. How does one go from one extreme to the next?

As I read these passages over, I could not help but feel the shame of guilt myself. It's so easy to point a finger at Judas in disbelief of his hearts' turn. However, if we are honest with ourselves, we too are guilty of these same sins against Jesus.

How often we choose another over Jesus whether it's money, fame, power, etc. How often we try to silence Jesus with our own interpretations of scripture. How often we try to strip Jesus of His power by making Him someone who should bend to our wants and desires. How often we remove Him from His place of authority in our life so we can do as we please. How often our actions contradict our beliefs and we confuse others about our loyalties and lead them away from the One that saves.

We all have a need to repent of the sinful actions our own Judas heart has led us into against our Lord and Savior. We crucified our Lord as much as Judas and those that put Him to the cross. We too carry that burden.

Forgive us Lord for our unbelief, our misplaced dependence, and our sins against you.