Have you ever wondered what kind of man Judas was?
Since he betrayed Jesus, I've stereotyped him as a sly, wiry, shifty-eyed opportunist. The one always observing rather than engaging. An inside outsider that didn't get along with the other disciples.
But perhaps that's not true. Scripture doesn't confirm any of that speculation. In fact, at the Last Supper, when Jesus revealed that His betrayer sat at the table, we don't see the disciples pointing fingers at Judas as the logical traitor.
That makes me believe that we've got Judas pegged wrong.
Perhaps he was the sensitive one. Maybe he had a great sense of humor, or an outgoing, caring personality.
We don't know.
But based on Judas' actions, we know one thing: He had no relationship with Jesus.
He had seen Jesus, but didn't know Him.
He had heard Jesus, but didn't understand Him.
He had religion but no relationship.
Judas wore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ.
That makes me wonder: How many like Judas sit in church every Sunday?
Churches never die because of immorality in Hollywood or corruption in Washington. When it comes to church, Satan works from the inside out. Churches die because of corrosion from within - those who wear the name of Jesus, but don't know Him.
I pray that those who bear the cloak of religion, spend time seeking to know the heart of Christ.
Deeply.
How do you spend time seeking to know Jesus?
What have you speculated about Judas?
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What have you speculated about Judas?
Interesting perspective, Donna. I try to spend time every day in God's Word. Lately, I have been also trying to take snippets of time throughout the day to just close my eyes and put myself in His presence and experience His love.
ReplyDeleteSharla, your intentionality is so wonderful to hear. Carving out time to be still and listen is such a vital part of our spiritual journeys. Thanks for sharing that today.
DeleteVery thought provoking, Donna! But then I realize--how many times do I hear about a marriage breaking up or a destructive behavior and I think, "I would have never expected that of him/her!"? And many of those people have been in church--but obviously don't have that relationship with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful that our pastor has been telling us over and over that to know the TRUTH we must go directly to the Word of God.
Thanks for sharing!
You bring out a great point, Shelly. Sometimes, the exterior can be deceptive. We can also never rule out the deadly accuracy of the enemy's arsenal of temptation. Satan had obviously found Judas' achilles heel. Yet another reason to memorize Ephesians 6:10-18 to remind ourselves that when we are weak, His armor and strength is more than sufficient. Thanks so much for that great insight!
DeleteSweet Donna! I have missed you. My grandmother passed away just recently, and it's just been a hard time. But sweet memories. When I think of Judas, I always think of the person who isn't filled with Jesus. Their heart is empty. And when a heart is empty, it is open to anything. Open to the enemy-the reason the old enemy could occupy him ... come and go as he pleased. If we don't have Jesus, our Savior, occupying our hearts-we are in deep trouble.
ReplyDeleteWhen you look at a person's horrific actions ... is it them? Or is it the enemy within them?
I shudder at the thought of a life without Jesus.
Oh, Shelli, I'm so very sorry to hear of your grandmother's passing. Hugging you from here! Those hard times? God works powerfully through them. Hang in there, sweet Friend.
DeleteYou've shared such an amazing perspective of someone not being "filled" with Jesus means an empty heart. Wow. There's so much truth to that, because it won't stay empty for long with the enemy lurking about. Your question about the enemy within them is right on! I have seen that scenario up close and personal. It's horrifying to behold and hard to watch.
Your insights are such a blessing today.
Well, I'm a day late commenting, but I really appreciated this post, Donna. Sometimes I think about what Judas must have felt like after doing what he did...the guilt. It makes me wonder if, like you said, before her really didn't know Jesus...but if, after betraying him, suddenly he knew. Suddenly he realized who Jesus was and what he'd done. It's heartbreaking really...
ReplyDeleteI try to spend time getting to know Christ by having quiet time first thing every day. Sometimes it's a challenge to really be present during that quiet time...to not start thinking ahead to all the things I want to do that day. But I find the more and more I really just quiet down and listen, the more I really do experience Christ's presence!
Melissa, your compassionate nature is so beautiful. To feel sadness at what Judas may have felt is so much like Jesus. And for your quiet time, realizing that you may get distracted is half the battle. God honors your desire to focus completely on Him. Thanks so much for providing wonderful food for thought here!
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