John 13:30

New International Version (NIV)

As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

For meditation

How can one tell when they are on the path to self-destruction? Is it possible to see the warning signs and make a U-turn?

Did Judas Iscariot truly grasp the significance of his apostolic call and ministry? (Luke 6:16; 9:1-2). Did he weigh the Lord’s earthly mission and ministry against his selfish desires and actions? (Luke 4:18-19).

How could anyone walk daily and dine with Jesus but miss His uniqueness, power, and authority? How could we prefer another life to what He presents to us? After all the preaching and teaching Judas sat under, the opportunity accorded him to exercise divine authority; how could he miss it so badly?

Wasn’t Jeremiah right on point when he said, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it” (Jer. 17:9)? For, when the Deceiver takes hold of a deceitful heart, how deceived and vain is the person! And, how dark is the valley of death when the Lord Jesus removes His hand from life—the example of Judas Iscariot, the most notorious traitor of all time!

“As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night” (Jn. 13:30).

The son of perdition left the presence and company of the Light of the world with all the privileges of eternal life and into the realm of darkness and the company of Satan and his pinions, mocking him with excruciating pain and anguish towards hell. How ironic!

“So, Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself” (Matt. 27:3-5).

A life and opportunities squandered—a tragic tale that should serve as a warning. How dark is the night?

May your story be of redemption and growth, not tragic choices and wasted opportunities.

May you not just be in the company of Jesus and enjoy the benefits but genuinely come to know Him and cultivate a deep relationship with Him. May you recognize the signs of spiritual peril and seize the grace of God in your second and third chances before the darkness of night falls upon you!

Shalom