Loving Judas: Who is Judas? Who is your enemy?
Are you ready to start this journey? We all have enemies and people we do not like. Believe me when I tell you that this devotional series will be tough for me because I struggle with loving and forgiving people who have wronged me and my family. But we are all in this struggle together and can grow in Christ together.
Let's Begin
I entitled this new devotional series "Loving Judas" because if Jesus could love the one He knew would betray Him, then we should love those who wrong us. This series is about loving those we want to hate. How are we to do that? To begin this series, let's address three points.
Who is Judas?
Judas was one of the twelve disciples and the group's treasurer. He often enjoyed taking some of the money from the group. John 12:4-6 tells us, "4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it."
Was this a surprise to Jesus? No, because Jesus knew Judas's true motives. In John 6:70, Jesus says, "Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!"
Jesus knew all along what Judas had on his mind and heart. Judas focused too much on himself and his pride. But do we not do the same?
How are we similar to Judas and our enemies?
Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Unless you are Jesus, you are included in the category of all who have sinned. You and I are similar to Judas because we are sinners who have rebelled against God. We are even similar to our enemies because none of us is perfect.
Judas wanted money and allowed it to become more valuable than his relationship with Jesus. He took from the ministry that brought the Good News of Salvation. You and I and our enemies have things we tend to desire more than God. Perhaps it is money you see as more valuable than God. Or, you may value a sport, a job, or family as more important than your relationship with Jesus. You may even see ministry as more important than Jesus.
Yet, as we sin against God, He still loves us. Jesus washed Judas's feet and offered the same forgiveness for Him. But Judas did not see the grace before him for many years. We are similar to Judas and our enemies because the Jesus we believe in is the Jesus that died for them too.
Jesus knew Judas and knows us
Jesus knew what was in Judas's heart but still considered him a disciple. He knows what sins are on our hearts as well. Jesus may not stop us from sinning, but that does not mean He approves of our actions.
So, that causes us to ask, "What does God see when He examines our heart?" Does God see hatred for others in your heart because someone has wronged you? Are forgiveness and reconciliation anywhere near your heart?
Jesus knew what was on Judas's heart minutes before Judas was to betray Him. He knows the hurt you have experienced and the bitterness you feel toward others. He calls you to go past your anger and resentment and find rest for your weariness. (Matthew 11:28-30)
He has a spot open for you and your enemies at His table.
References: NIV Application Study Bible