Judas Iscariot

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:14-16 ESV). I have always been curious to know why Jesus picked Judas to be a disciple. Even more than that, I have wondered what could have caused Judas to betray Jesus. Why would anyone, especially someone who had gotten to know Jesus so intimately, reject Him? Why does Judas even deserve to be mentioned when discussing the disciples? Why? All of these questions have been answered in many ways throughout the centuries since that time. However, the clearest answer I know of is that this is the clearest understanding of the depravity of man. There are many people today who are similar to Judas. Perhaps they have not gone to such extremes in rejecting him, however, they have still chosen their own way rather than his. Broadcaster Paul Harvey told a version of the following story on the radio many years ago: There was an old man who was a great admirer of democracy and public education. So close to his heart did he hold both institutions that he tried to bring them together into one grand experiment, a public college where students would practice self-governance. There would be no regulations; the goodwill and judgment of the students would suffice. After years of planning, the school was finally opened. The old man was overjoyed. But as the months went by, students proved time and time again that they were not the models of discipline and discernment the old man envisioned. They skipped classes, drank to excess, and wasted hours in frivolous pursuits. One night, 14 students, disguised by masks and “animated with wine,” went on a rampage that ended in a brawl. One struck a professor with a brick, and another used a cane on his victim. In response, the college’s trustees convened a special meeting. The old man, now 82 years old and very frail, was asked to address the student body. In his remarks, he recalled the lofty principles upon which the college had been founded. He said he had expected more—much more—from the students. He even confessed that this was the most painful event of his life. Suddenly, he stopped speaking. Tears welled up in his failing eyes. He was so overcome with grief that he sat down, unable to go on. His audience was so touched that at the conclusion of the meeting the 14 offenders stepped forward to admit their guilt. But they could not undo the damage already done. A strict code of conduct and numerous onerous regulations were instituted at the college. The old man’s experiment had failed. Why? Because he took for granted the one essential ingredient necessary for success: virtue. Only a virtuous people can secure and maintain their freedom. A short time later, on the Fourth of July, the old man passed away. Engraved on his tombstone were the simple words that reflected the success and failure of his most important experiments: “Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and father of the University of Virginia.” Now, as Mr. Harvey says, you know the rest of the story. There is good news in all of this. A. W. Tozer said, “Until we believe that we are as bad as God says we are, we can never believe that He will do for us what He says He will do. Right here is where popular religion breaks down.” You don’t need to get closer to religion. You need to get close to Jesus. You need to bask in the grace of God. Had Judas turned to Jesus rather than his religious enemies, he would have been saved. The same is true for you. Grace is made available to you! Praise God for His grace today! Trust him!