Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot

John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name; those that thou gaveth me, I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Introduction:

Judas was a common name in the time of Jesus, and in fact, two disciples had that name.? But today the name is hardly used, because it is associated with treachery, even deceit with a kiss. Judas is a mystery. How could a man so close to the Lord Jesus do such a thing?

We do not know a great deal about Judas. Because of his last name, many believe that he was the only disciple from Judea rather than Galilee. However, apparently no one suspected him of treachery among the disciples. He “held the bag” – that is, he was the treasurer of the group. When Jesus said that one of the disciples would betray him, each asked about himself, but there were no accusations toward Judas.

The history of Judas:

We do not have a great deal of information concerning Judas, but we know that he participated in the activities which involved all the disciples. He heard the sermons of Jesus. He saw his miracles, including feeding the 5000 in which he participated in distributing the fish and bread that Jesus multiplied. He saw Jesus raise a young man from the dead, and later raise Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. He ate and slept with the other disciples.

Somewhere his heart turned from Jesus. When Mary anointed the feet of Jesus, he complained that the ointment could have been sold for 300 denarii (about a year’s wages) and given to the poor, but the Bible comments he said that because he held the bag and helped himself to the funds. And finally, after the entry into Jerusalem, when it appeared that the tide of popularity was turning from Jesus, and that Jesus had no intent of becoming a messiah who would defeat the Romans and set up his kingdom, he then went to the chief priests and offered to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He heard Jesus say that one would betray him, and that it was better for that man that he was never born. Jesus reached out to Judas, honoring him by giving the sop, and later in Gethsemene, he called him “friend.”

The end of Judas:

After Jesus was crucified, Judas went in remorse to the priests and said that he had betrayed innocent blood. They said that that was his own business, and Judas flung down the pieces of money and went out and hanged himself. The priests said that the money was blood money and could not be put in the treasury and so they bought a field to bury the poor which was called “Aceldama” or the field of blood. Judas hung himself and his body later fell and burst open according to Peter in Acts 1.

What we can learn from Judas:

We find that it is possible to be as close as possible to Jesus, witnessing his miracles, hearing his sermons, etc. and still be unsaved. If this is true of Judas, one of Jesus’ chosen disciples, it is also possible in the church today. I believe that the Bible is quite clear that no born-again believer will be lost. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. We are in Christ Jesus hand, and no one will snatch us away. If we have been truly redeemed and bought with the blood of Christ, we are glorified (present tense) in his eyes?

But it is very possible to trust, not in Christ, but in our church attendance, baptism, good works, or family without having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Judas shows us this truth. Paul admonishes us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Jesus warns in the sermon on the mount: Matthew 7:21Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. This is not talking about being saved and losing your salvation. Notice that Jesus said: I NEVER knew you. And to be saved, we must know Jesus. Jesus said: John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

What should we do?

We should examine ourselves to see what our personal relationship is with the Lord. Have we truly received him into our lives? Is there evidence of the indwelling Holy Spirit changing our lives? This warning is not meant to make us doubt but to warn us not to be complacent and trust in our own good works. What is your spiritual situation? Have you received Jesus Christ? Do you know him? Has your life been changed by the indwelling Holy Spirit?