Devotionals
Judas was appointed as one of the 12 Disciples. He was personally trained by Jesus for approximately 3 years. Judas was there at the feeding of the 5000, he was present at many instances when the sick were healed, and the lame walked again. He was the only one that was mentioned as carrying a specific office. Judas was the “treasurer” John 12:6b KJV …”...but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.”
Judas didn’t care for the poor. He didn’t like Mary pouring ointment on Jesus. John 12:3, 4 KJV…Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? Jesus rebuked him openly, because He knew all about Judas before he was even picked as a disciple. Jesus never used his name, however. The other disciples seemed not to have understood all the things that Judas did.
Judas bargained with the chief priests to hand Jesus over for 30 pieces of silver, which was the price of a slave. He waited his chance and used the first opportunity that arose. Judas did this to gain favor with the Jewish leaders, and because He was upset about being rebuked.
We can learn many lessons from Judas. He never tried to get victory over his flesh, but gave in to his worldly ways. One thing led to another, a liar, a thief, a complainer, a sneak, a backbiter, a murder assessor. We need to stamp out the “little sins” in our lives or they will grow to degrees we would never have dreamed possible.
Clear to the end, Jesus gave Judas every opportunity. He was never treated differently than any of the other disciples. Jesus washed Judas’ feet along with the rest, on that fateful night! Jesus is a picture of what He expects us to do. We are never to give up on one another, even though people often disappoint us.
Satan entered into Judas when he dipped the sop with Jesus. He still could have repented up to that point, but he still carried on the charade even though he knew at that point that Jesus knew what he had done. He had more thought of personal gain, than for the life of Jesus.
At the actual betrayal, Jesus still called Judas “friend.” From Jesus’ example, we can see how forgiving Jesus was, still giving Judas the opportunity to break down and repent. He is showing us that whatever others do to us, we must not carry a grudge. The Lord’s Prayer tells us that we are forgiven AS we forgive others. What an awesome task!
We learn that if we fail, the kingdom of God will go on without us! Jesus has told us this in Matthew 16:18b…I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. KJV
Judas lost out! He totally failed. He went out and killed himself when the actuality of what he had done really hit him. Someone else took Judas’ place!
The scriptures tell us that God’s Spirit will not always strive with man. Matthew 5:20KJV says, For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Life is short; we must give our whole hearts to Jesus Christ, and strive to never falter on the path that He lays out for us. Self must take second place, or we will find ourselves getting deeper and deeper into sin, just one little step at a time. Come to Jesus today, if we have failed, He will always forgive if we come to Him with a contrite heart.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 711 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Verna Mull or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 711 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.
How have you and Paul been doing? What's new?