“Judas’ Betrayal”
Welcome back.
Laurel and I just replaced every light fixture in our home. After almost 20 years, many of our old lights were failing and it was time to change them. What a transformation! Our house went from “yellow and dim” to “bright and joyful.” The brightness made the mess, the dust and the cleanup totally worth it!
Today, I want to share about a man who didn’t embrace transformation. Instead of letting his light shine, he allowed sin to extinguish his light completely.
Judas Iscariot is not someone we like talking about at Easter. He was close to Jesus, and yet he betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. Judas's story is a tragic reminder of what happens when we choose our own path instead of God's.
Judas saw Jesus's miracles and heard His teachings, but his heart refused the light that Jesus offered. He clung to his own desires and expectations. He wanted a different kind of Messiah—a political leader, a person of wealth and influence, a liberator. And when Jesus didn't fit his mold, he turned against Him.
Judas's betrayal wasn't just a physical act; it was a spiritual rejection. He chose darkness over light, self-interest over selfless love. And when he realized the gravity of his actions, he was consumed by guilt and despair. He never even attempted to see if there was the same grace for him, that was there for Peter.
It’s a sad end, but the Bible says, “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That’s your responsibility.’ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:3-5, NIV)
Judas's story isn't just about betrayal, it's about missing the moment of transformation. He had the opportunity to walk with Jesus, to experience His grace, but he chose a different path. It's a sobering reminder that even those who are close to Jesus can miss the transforming power of His love.
friend, don't let your heart resist the Light of the World! Don't let your own desires blind you to the truth. Open your heart to Jesus, surrender your plans to His, and allow Him to transform you from the inside out. Don't let the tragedy of Judas be your story. Choose life, choose forgiveness, choose Jesus.
Jesus, we need your encouragement today. Help us learn the tough truth that we can be in proximity to Jesus for a long time, and still resist His transformation. God, we want to surrender to all the change you want to do in us… right now! Transform us, God, during this Holy Week!
Never forget my friend, you are a miracle!
