“‘Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas … he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.’”
Acts 1:16-17
It’s hard to wrap our heads around Judas’ character and what he did in handing over Jesus. The gospel writers very sparingly mentioned him in their accounts (understandably). Judas the betrayer wasn’t the Judas they seemed to know. He’d been chosen along with the others, left whatever his previous life was to follow Jesus, witnessed three years of miracles and powerful teaching, was entrusted the job of treasurer for the ministry, and was empowered just as the others were to cast out demons and heal the sick (see Luke 9:1-2). Judas was a friend.
Centuries earlier David gave us a foreshadowing of what Judas would do. “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9). This evil that was to come was not by any means outside of the plans and purposes of God. Still, even to this day we associate the name Judas immediately with one who betrays.
The reality is that Judas became an enemy of the cross because he saw Jesus more as a vessel for his own ambitions than the Savior for his soul.
Centuries earlier David gave us a foreshadowing of what Judas would do. “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9). This evil that was to come was not by any means outside of the plans and purposes of God. Still, even to this day we associate the name Judas immediately with one who betrays.
The reality is that Judas became an enemy of the cross because he saw Jesus more as a vessel for his own ambitions than the Savior for his soul.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 41
Insight
Often we’ve sold out Jesus for far less than 30 pieces of silver. Still He gave His life to pay the debt for all our sins.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 14-15
- Psalm 68
- John 9
