“‘The words I have spoken to you … are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.”
John 6:63-64
If Judas had been following Jesus for the money and power Jesus’ kingdom might one day bring, those hopes were crumbling as the days went on. When miracles stirred up the crowds, Jesus receded and drew away to quiet places to pray, exactly the opposite of what He ought to do to be the next king of Israel. Followers began abandoning Him. Judas was growing uneasy.
It was then that Jesus asked His disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Judas was silent, as were the others except for Peter. But Jesus’ response tells us something, perhaps, about what was going on inside Judas’ heart. “‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ He meant Judas … who was later to betray him” (6:70-71).
Interestingly, Judas never referred to Jesus as Lord, but as Teacher. “Surely not I, Rabbi?” he responded at the table during the Last Supper. He wanted to be a part of the Jesus movement, but he never made Jesus Lord.
This is not unlike many who celebrate Easter each year. Let’s look inside our own hearts. Is Jesus Lord of our lives?
It was then that Jesus asked His disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Judas was silent, as were the others except for Peter. But Jesus’ response tells us something, perhaps, about what was going on inside Judas’ heart. “‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ He meant Judas … who was later to betray him” (6:70-71).
Interestingly, Judas never referred to Jesus as Lord, but as Teacher. “Surely not I, Rabbi?” he responded at the table during the Last Supper. He wanted to be a part of the Jesus movement, but he never made Jesus Lord.
This is not unlike many who celebrate Easter each year. Let’s look inside our own hearts. Is Jesus Lord of our lives?
Scripture Focus
John 6:60-71
Insight
Jesus, as you know, is still quite popular today. But He demands we take up a cross and endure the suffering that will come.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 16
- Psalm 69
- John 10
