Hello my name is Judas

My friend warned me, “you will learn so much when you blog.” Well, I guess I am learning and also I am finding myself contemplating a lot of what the scriptures do not tell us.

I was pondering the characteristics we know about the disciples.  I have decided that I do relate in some aspects to all of them.  Thinking about Jesus living with them and what their personalities were like.  Who took on what responsibilities?  Who was the “clown” in the group?  Who was the one who was most liked? Etc.

Today my name is Judas. 

Just the name Judas sends all kinds of bad thoughts, traitor, evil, Satan, betrayer, greedy, etc.  It is because of Judas that Jesus was arrested.  But it was God’s plan that Jesus come to earth, live among us, teach, preach, heal and die for us.  The word says, Luke 22:3-6

3 Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.

The only things we know about Judas was he was a follower of Christ, treasurer for the disciples, and a betrayer. He betrayed Jesus after Satan went into him.  We do not know what other reasons he would betray his teacher.  This could lead us down a tangent-was he dishonest the whole time he was with Jesus, was he stealing from the monies they had for their travel etc. We are not given the information.

I too have betrayed others:  Jesus, my husband, family, mother, father, sisters, brother and children.  Did I intentionally betray them?  NO! I do not always but things in the right priority, the “correct” order, I betrayed a confidence, I gave my unrequested opinion, or I ignored a situation when I should have spoken up or taken action.  My words and actions made them feel betrayed and that I was a traitor.

I definitely am not perfect.  I learn something new every day.  I try very hard to love, protect and work hard.  Do I have opinions?  Yes, I think we all do.  Do I want to be Judas?  No I want to be like JESUS.  It is hard work to follow Jesus, it is worth it.  Obstacles come along the way to refine us and sharpen us. 

Judas is not a popular name because of one man.  However, there were other men named Judas mentioned in the Bible. Judas is a form of the word Judah- which means high praise.  So there is hope for us that sometimes seem to be “Judas”. 

If God can use a donkey, he can use a Judas as well.  God’s grace thankfully covers a multitude of sins.

Please Dear God; Help us to be like Jesus and not Judas. Help us to be strong in the faith.  Help me to be the supporter, encourager, and helper you need me to be for your purpose.   Our goal is to only hear-“Well done-good and faithful servant,” that is the high praise we desire.

In Jesus name,  Amen.

Aaron Smith

May 31, 2016