When we think about it, Judas was just a person like you or I. He had choices to make everyday- just like we do...
In reading his story it becomes obvious that our CHOICES MATTER.
CHOOSE WISELY....
Betraying Jesus
Posted on February 1st, 2011. -Micah Wood
Most of us are offended at the thought that we could possibly betray Jesus. At the suggestion that such a thing is possible, we immediately start overcompensating by pledging our allegiance to Him with great fervor and zeal. We’re like Peter who declared to Jesus: “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble!” (Matt. 26:33). In just a few hours, Peter would deny Jesus three times. Our hearts are much more easily deceived than we realize.
In fact, I think far too many of us have already begun the process of betraying Jesus, though we still consider ourselves disciples and are probably sitting in the company of other disciples. We think that just because we have not technically done anything to weaken our commitment then we are in the clear. This thinking was certainly true of Judas.
On the very night Judas betrayed Jesus, he sat at a table with Jesus and among other disciples who deeply loved Him. Everything about Judas’ environment seemed right. However, Matthew records, “Then Judas, who was betraying [Jesus] . . .” (26:25). Wait a minute. Judas hadn’t yet given Jesus the kiss in the garden. He hadn’t yet led the religious leaders to Jesus with clubs and spears, but Matthew says that he was already in the process of betrayal.
Though on the outside Judas seemed to be as committed as Peter or John, something was awry. Prior to this last supper, Judas had already asked the chief priests what they would give him to betray Jesus. All his activity among disciples was right, but the process of betrayal had begun when Judas asked this question.
We don’t realize the deadly nature of our questions. Whenever we consider what it will cost us to play with sin, we have already begun to betray Jesus. Whenever we look at temptation and wonder if we could get away with it, betrayal is already deep within our hearts. A Judas Iscariot doesn’t start by bringing a mob into a garden to arrest Jesus. He starts by calculating the cost of compromise and asking if it is worth it.
Today, our outward activities may seem great. We may look like we’re at the table with Jesus and His disciples, but what questions have we been asking behind closed doors? Are we living righteous because of burning love for Jesus or because no one has offered the right price for our compromise yet?
Damon Thompson has often said that until we are sold out, we’ll always be for sale. Until we see the beauty of the One who breaks the bread and pours the wine, we’ll always be asking secret questions. God, open our eyes and change our hearts.
"...I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life..." Deuteronomy 30
