While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Luke 6:47-48

For Meditation

What took Judas down that road to disgrace and self-destruction?

He was one of the elite group of disciples Jesus designated Apostles (Lk. 6:12-16). He loved them equally, and they shared everything in common with the Lord. Jesus taught and trained them to be His team members.

“That they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mk. 3:14-15).

So, why did Judas turn out to be the world’s most notorious betrayer? Why has his name become synonymous with treachery? 

I am not sure Judas responded to the Lord’s call with betrayal on his mind. But when things do not pan out the way we expect, our tendency is towards disappointment, anger, hatred, and rejection. The dark side of our humanity becomes increasingly prominent. 

“Get rid of your Master, Judas, son of Simon! At least you can compensate your wasted time with a few silver coins.” The devil’s voice, always convincing and instigating. 

If you have not been a Judas before, cough and hear how it sounds. Well, maybe you haven’t. I give that to you. After all, who wants their name associated with Judas? But can you say you will never act in the spirit of Judas—the betrayer of Jesus?

Wait till you see that opening for promotion and your best friend becomes your competitor. When your Christian conviction stands in the way of the coveted prize, and the world is applauding already. Then give me your honest response.

Didn’t I hear you say, “Just this once, and we will be fine. He will not even know,” or, “Jesus understands my situation?” How about the day you embellished the story a little to look good when your colleague took the blame?

Now I understand why Jesus went to Gethsemane. How else could we have known how to walk away from the Judas spirit when tempted? How could we have learned to submit our will to that of the Lord? When the temptation to betray the integrity of our faith heightens, how can we stand?

Let us accept our vulnerability and lean on Jesus against the challenges of each day. Denying your fragility is a recipe for defeat and shame. So, let the strength of the Lord carry you in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

;.