BETRAYER OR LOYALIST?

Text: Luke 22:1-13 

SCRIPTURE: Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve and he went his way and communed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray him unto them (v 3-4)

It is easy to see that Judas was not a loyalist but a betrayer. The chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill Jesus. They didn't want to seize him publicly so as not to incite the public. As there were busy deliberating on how to achieve their aim, Judas offered to make their job easy.  Judas has been with Jesus as a disciple/apprentice/friend and brother for three years. They ate together, walked and worked together. (Matthew 10). What suddenly went wrong? One may wonder if Judas suddenly developed hatred for Jesus or has he been pretending all along?

No, Judas Iscariot hasn't been pretending neither did he suddenly develop hatred for Jesus. He was  committed just like the other apostles. However, he has a weak point and he was careless. In Matthew 10 you will see that he is among those who went for evangelism, healed the sick and cast out demons. In fact he was even the treasurer of the group. So what happened to him? Temptation which is common to man came to him and he failed woefully (1 Cor 10:13a).  James 1: 13-15. warns us against the sources of temptation. It comes when we are drawn away of our own lusts and enticed. Yet, if we are watchful in the word and prayerful in the spirit just like Jesus we will not be overcome  (See also Matt 4: 2- 10, Luke 22:40). In Luke  22:31 we also see Satan asking to sift Simon but Jesus prayed for him. 

The point is that there is a very thin line between being a betrayer or a loyalist.  if it were to be  in our own power any man can be overcome. But by giving heed to the word of God (watchfulness) and remaining in the spirit through prayers we are ready to win the battle of temptation. Judas was caught through love of money, his own weak point. What is your own weak point through which the back door is usually opened to Satan? Have you discovered it yet? Are you watching constantly to see that you're not tripped? Even Simon Peter almost betrayed Jesus too if not that Jesus prayed for him. This is why praying for our children is an obligation we can't trivialize. Before we blame Judas, therefore, let us examine ourselves.

Father, in our own power we can do nothing. But if we abide in you and you in us we bear fruit that remain. Help us to take your teaching to abide in the vine daily, serious so that we may not betray you. In Jesus name, Amen!