If you were to name your newborn son, which of these three names would you choose: James, John, or Judas? You might select James or John, but—undoubtedly—you wouldn’t name your son Judas. You might name your dog Max or Buddy, but not Judas. Even a dog deserves a respectable name!
Judas means praise, but it has become an icon of condemnation, a name synonymous with the worst form of treachery and betrayal. Imagine conversing with Judas and asking, “Why did you betray Jesus, and with a kiss? (Luke 22:48). Were you disillusioned that Jesus wasn’t the kind of Messiah you wanted—a Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and reign on David’s throne? (Zechariah 9:9; Matt. 21:4-10). Instead of reigning, Jesus talked about submitting to Caesar (Matthew 22:21) and becoming a slave (Matthew 20:25-28). Jesus came into Jerusalem, not to become king but to be humiliated and to die on a cross (Matthew 20:18-19; Luke 18:32-33). This seemed like nonsense to them! (Luke 18:34).
“So was it because of money? Weren’t the ministry funds you embezzled enough to satisfy your greed? (John 12:6). You sold out your Master to the leading priests, hoping they would reward you handsomely (Mark 14:10-11). Were you disappointed that they paid you only 30 silver coins? (Matthew 26:14-15). Surely you were shocked that your King was only worth the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32). Yet you betrayed your own conscience for a few coins.
“Judas, why did you use a kiss to betray Jesus? (Matthew 26:49) A kiss is a symbol of trust and intimacy, love and affection. But you used it as a tool of betrayal and treachery. Coming up close, embracing and kissing your Master, Friend, and Brother, you amplified the despicability, the heinousness, and the treachery of your betrayal!” (Matthew 26:24).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 17:1-24
More:
Read Psalm 55, written by David after a close friend and trusted confidante betrayed him (vv.12-14, 20-21). How did he cope with the anguish and pain of betrayal?
Next:
Have you on occasion been tempted to “betray” Jesus? In today’s context, what would constitute a “betrayal” of Him?
mike on April 18, 2012 at 5:46 am
All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way. But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.gg
tom felten on April 18, 2012 at 9:32 am
Good verse (Isaiah 53:6)! Thanks for sharing it, Mike. The story of Judas reminds of my own need to daily die to self—my sinful desires—and to show my love for Jesus in my words and actions. This can only happen by God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit within me!
yemiks1 on April 18, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Holy Ghost! Do not make me a betrayal of Christ forever!amen.
But no, all are rotten with sin.not one is good, not one! Psalm14:3
daisymarygoldr on April 20, 2012 at 1:35 am
Great post and discussion, KT and all! Back when I was in school, we used to sing a song: “There’s a bit of Judas in every living man”. Without doubt, that same treacherous trait lurks in our own wicked hearts. And while it is true we all sin but those who are born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning.
There is a difference between sin committed in a moment of weakness— and willful, pattern of sin. Habitual sins can sear the heart to the point that it becomes an acceptable lifestyle and leads believers to betray Christ.
Judas is a perfect example of a seared conscience. In spite of walking with Jesus and hearing Him teach about money, greed and covetousness, Judas continued to steal from the money bag. And Jesus rightly called him a devil.
When we keep sinning it shows we belong to the devil (1 John 3: 9-10) and are on the enemy’s side. Once we deflect, and the heart is hardened — it is not possible for us to return. (Heb 10:26-27)
Sadly, Judas sold Jesus for the price of a slave. In the process he sold his own soul and became a slave of Satan. Traitors exchange the treasures of heaven for the trinkets of earth and end up in the place of eternal torment. The kiss was an act of false intimacy.
Clearly, a traitor is not a true disciple. When we call Jesus Lord but break God’s laws, we are also proving ourselves to be false followers of Christ (Matthew 7:21-23). Let us then not bring reproach on Jesus by indulging in deliberate sin, after publicly professing Jesus Christ as our Lord.
winn collier on April 21, 2012 at 3:01 pm
I often wonder what was in Judas’ story, that led him to fall prey to the temptation to betrayal.