Why did Jesus have a Judas?

For He new that we would have one too…

For the follower of Jesus, betrayal appears in the most unexpected manner at times.  Frequently, it is not the outside evil-doer that one needs to be cautious, but more often it is within one’s inner circle that the seeds of betrayal appear.  The term “familiarity breads contempt” applies also within the body of believers.

As a result, there are many who have turn their back on their own faith due to the harsh words and actions of a close friend or family member that have professed their faith in Jesus.  Often you hear from the broken-hearted victims, who have fallen to the ground wounded and in shock, exclaiming – “with a kiss you have betrayed me”?  And, “If this is what Christianity has to offer, I want nothing to do with it!” 

The problem that hurts us the most is the breaking of trust, the inside wound that no enemy could penetrate, but the familiar have successfully and without warning – attacked due to their closeness.  Most often, these attack are a result of  a poor lack of judgment by the attacker. But, the story does not end there.  Damage is done by both parties involved as Jesus grieves like a parent whose children are in heated conflict with each other, while His heart begs for peace.

It is not just the victim who becomes hurt, but there is a significant loss to the attacker.  When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, instead of repentance and reconciliation, Judas’ guilt resulted in his own demise through suicide.  Judas’s spirit was crushed and broken by his own sin.

Matthew 27:3-4  

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."

This message goes out to ALL of you who have a Judas in your life who has hurt you and has potentially turned you from following the Lord to fleeing from Him.  It is not God's intent that you are in pain.

First and foremost, you need to know that Jesus loves you. There are many cases in life when you are purely the victim and whereby you have done nothing deserving the attack you received.  Jesus grieves when you are hurt and He grieves for those who hurt you. 

This world is full of imperfect people, which He also died for.  As this Christmas season approaches, please consider that His love is more than you will ever need to heal your wounds. Refuse this day within your heart to look at the storm in your life, albeit intimate and personal, and rest on your God!  It is there that you will find peace.  It is there you will begin to heal.

Lamentations 5:21
Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may return; renew our days as of old

Dear Father in Heaven,

During this time of Christmas thanksgiving, I ask that You would restore the hearts of those you love with a non-obstructive view of your divine mercy and grace.  For many, the roots of betrayal run deep by close friends and family members who have said and done things that have caused great pain. 

Please forgive those who have trespassed against us as You have personally demonstrated by forgiving us of our sins.  It is our sins that You have nailed to the cross because of your great mercy and forgiveness. Release us from any past or present thoughts of ill-will, for we are far from being perfect.  Release us into the peace of Your presence, so we may glorify You by our actions as a witness and beacon of light for others to follow.

Bless you Lord by the storms of life that teach us perseverance and steadfastness.  Bless You for Your great mercies that are renewed every day.  Finally, bless those who have hurt us in word or in deed.  Free us from the bonds of resentment so we may serve You unencumbered by these chains, which keeps us from maturing in our faith.

Restore our heart and mind towards You Lord Jesus.  Draw us close to you and draw near to us. Use us as a tool in Your hand for Your glory and honor; for now and evermore.

This I ask in Jesus’ Name.  AMEN!