Have you ever sat and pondered the
story of Judas? His relationship with Jesus and the role he played in the
story?
I admit I am guilty of the typical stereotype. I picture this
weasel looking man with tiny beady eyes who was not a “part” of the group. I
envision someone who always did his own thing. In my mind, he was distant
from the other disciples carrying around a lot of baggage from a messed up
childhood. For someone to betray Jesus for money would entail several seriously
deep rooted issues reaching way back to their childhood, right? But then I ask,
are my assumptions correct?
My knowledge of Judas comes from what
I read in the Bible and stories learned in Sunday School. It is easy to
jump the gun and assume he was an outsider always causing trouble however,
something grabs my attention making me second guess myself. Remember
reading the story of the Last Supper (Matthew
26:19-25) and the way in which Jesus specifically says one within His group
will betray Him? Notice when reading the story none of the disciples point to
Judas as the obvious choice. In fact, they ask, “Is it me?”
Labeling Judas as the corrupt,
dishonest perpetrator becomes easier since the ending of the story is well-known.
The assumption that he was disliked or a “weasel” makes the story easier to
read since no one enjoys a villain. So quick to judge. The assumption
that Judas lacked a sparkling personality is easier to swallow knowing he is
the betrayer. What if, however, his friends loved him? Maybe Judas was
personable. The answers to these questions can’t be simply assumed because we
weren’t there to witness the relationship.
Replaying the story in my head, I
suppose a conclusion could be drawn that something was missing in the
“relationship” between Judas and Jesus. How else does one betray one of
their closest friends for 30 pieces of silver? He traveled with Jesus, met Him
in the flesh, however, it appears he did not “know” Him. He heard Jesus
preach, except it seems the words spoken did not permeate the heart of Judas.
Judas had a religion, but did not have an intimate and personal relationship
with Jesus.
As I imagine the Last Supper, it is simple
to visualize the enemy at work. He knew the exact man he needed to exploit
to betray Jesus. He needed someone whose eyes had seen Jesus, yet whose
heart had not. Judas wore the cloak of religion, but failed to grasp the
heart of Jesus. It requires little effort to claim the name of Jesus.
Many do it every day. Unfortunately, they miss the mark and fail to
understand the mission and heart of Jesus. Similar to Judas, they
bear His name, yet serve a religion.
In life, it is normal to seek out
wisdom, encouragement and support when struggles arise. The search for those who appear to hold it all
together or appear godlier gives false hope that they may hold the answers to
the questions that surround life. Many people live out religion.
They know the right words to say, the answers to all the questions, can
quote scripture and are spotted at church on Sunday although that is where it
ends. We each possess what it requires to follow Jesus. We recognize the
dos and don’ts, what to say and who to follow, however, oftentimes our hearts
are not in it. A personal relationship with Jesus is missing.
We “recognize” Him, nevertheless neglect to “know” Him in a personal way.
Oftentimes it is easy to be misguided
by our thoughts when looking at those around us. It is typical to compare oneself
to others with misguided thoughts, wishing one could be as “godly” or as knowledgeable
as it is assumed about others. However,
people are not always as they appear and at times it is tough to spot the wolf
in sheep’s clothing. Judas type people surround us every day. There is a
lot of “religion” walking the earth. When fluff is spoken yet actions speak
something else, then it is surmisable a relationship with Jesus is lacking.
Many claim His name, however, have never truly known Him.
This morning I once again came across
the passage in Luke 11:42-44 which led me to consider Judas, religion and
relationship. What do people see in me? How do people see you? How
close do we come to being Pharisees? Do you claim His name but live your own
way? It is probably something we should consider every once in a while.
How close are we to accepting those 30 pieces of silver?
“Woe to you, Pharisees! Judgement will
come on you! What you really love is having people fawn over you when you take the
seat of honor in the synagogue or when you are greeted in the public market.
Wake up! See what you’ve become!
Woe to you; you’re like a field full of marked graves. People walk on the field
and have no idea of the corruption that’s a few inches beneath their feet.”
Luke 11:42-44
No comments:
Post a Comment