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Things Judas Should Have Known
Judas Iscariot was, according to the New
Testament,
one of the original apostles of Jesus
Christ.
He was one of the Twelve. He is remembered in infamy for his betray of Jesus
with a kiss and for the thirty pieces of silver for which he sold the Lord. He
is also remembered for his guilt, remorse and for his suicide. Even though Judas
was an apostle the only recorded conversations between him and Jesus were not
good. On one occasion Jesus rebuked him for his remarks about Mary's actions,
because his remarks were motivated by greed. Mary had taken "a pound of ointment
of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet
with her hair." "Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son,
which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence,
and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but
because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then
said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For
the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always." (John 12:4-8) In
another brief exchange they discussed the fact that Judas would be the betrayer.
Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me." "Then
Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto
him, Thou hast said." (Matthew 26:25)
The final recorded conversation between Jesus
and Judas had to with the betrayal itself. "Jesus said unto him, Judas,
betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48) Here are a few things
Judas should have known.
Judas should have known that prophecy would
be fulfilled. During
the three and one-half years that Jesus had spent with His apostles Judas should
have learned that the prophets foretold of the coming Messiah; He should have
learned that these prophecies would be fulfilled. "Then he took unto him the
twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to
Jerusalem,
and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall
be accomplished." (Luke 18:31) The prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah.
They predicted that certain things that would take concerning Him. In Psalm 41:9
we read, "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my
bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." (Psalms 41:9) The fulfillment is
seen in Matthew 26:14, "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto
the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver
him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."
(Matthew 26:14-15) The 30 pieces of silver and its use were likewise predicted.
"And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear.
So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me,
Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took
the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the
LORD." (Zechariah 11:12-13) Judas should have known that prophecy would be
fulfilled.
Judas should have known that sin brings horrible guilt. Judas stood guilty as a thief but he was also guilty as the betrayer of Jesus. "And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him." (Mark 14:10-11) Judas betrayed Jesus in the garden where he prayed. He betrayed Jesus by saying, "Hail, master; and kissing him." At that moment those that Judas led stepped forward and arrested Jesus. "When Judas learned that Jesus had been sentenced to death, he was sorry for what he had done. He returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and leaders and said, "I have sinned by betraying a man who has never done anything wrong." (Matthew 27:3-4) The chief priests had no concern for the sorrow Judas felt over his sins. There can be no question that guilt is one of the great destroyers of the soul. "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins." (Proverbs 5:22) Peter told the Jews that they had crucified and slain the Lord of glory. When these people realized that God had made this same Jesus both Lord and Christ, they were cut to the heart or felt so guilty that they asked what to do in order to be saved. (Acts 2:36-38) Whether it is being a thief or betraying our Lord, Judas should have known that sin brings horrible guilt.
Judas should have known that Jesus forgives sins. Judas knew that Jesus forgave the sinful woman at the well (John 4), the woman taken in the act of adultery (John 8), Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and many others also. He should have known that Jesus would forgive him. It should be observed that all the apostles deserted the Lord. Peter even cursed and swore saying he did not know the Lord. Like Judas, Peter felt great remorse for his sins. "And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:73-75) All the apostles, including Judas Iscariot, had to face their doubts and failures. Yet eleven of them repented, grew and stood firm in their commitment to God. Sadly, Judas gave up on himself and on God. 'He cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself." (Matthew 27:5)
Judas should have known that the work of the apostles was a very important work that would be done. Judas would do his part in the work or it would be done by someone else. The apostles are part of the foundation upon which the church was built. "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2:18-20) When Judas fell from that work Matthias was chosen to take his place. "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:24-26)
The final outcome of the failures of Judas was that he committed suicide. He should have run back to God as Peter and the other apostles did. Let us chose to return to God. To be saved from sin hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repent of sins (Luke 13:5), confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized into Christ. (Romans 6:3-4) After baptism, live in Christ and have Christ living in you. (Galatians 4:19) One of the saddest verses in the Bible is Luke 22:3, "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve." (Luke 22:3) Please do not allow that same thing to happen to you!
- - - - Charles Box
News & Notes
1. Prayer List: Stabler Hospital: Elizabeth Perdue and Gladys Warren. In Need of Prayer: Lorene Beverly, LeRoy Boutwell, Willie Frank Burnett, Brenda Burkett, Camren Coleman, Anna Bell Conway, Bonnie Croley, Debbie Cunningham, Ethan Flowers Diamond, Marietta Faulkenberry, Michelle Flowers, Gail Gipson, Devin Hawkins, Doris Hayes, Patrick Hicks, Patricia Kennemore, Peggy Lassiter, Alice Little, Arthur Little, Annie McKee, Jewel McNaughton, Betty McQueen, Charlotte Miller, Jeff Miller, Jane Owen, Candice Parker, William Pierce, Tina Pouncey, Dan Raybon, Lydia Ann Raybon, Candie Reaves, Peggy Rice, Rosie Rudolph, Nathan Simmons, Margaret Skipper, Sarah Stidham, Virginia Stiers, Bobby & Mary Lou Terrell, Arlene Thomas, John Tindoll, Jenny Trawick, Bobbie Walker, Leroy Waller, Jim Watts, Carlton Whittle, and Cody Yelverton. Crowne Health Care: Helen Autrey, Dorothy Buck, Jewel Cauthen, Gladys Childs, Arlene Coletrane, Betty Findley, Kathy Johnson, Sarah Knight, Nelda Sanders, Annie Ruth Tetter, and Alice Thompson. Georgiana Nursing Home: Earl Lowery.
2. Building in Annai: Please pray that everything can come together for the completion of the building in Annai, Guyana, South America. These brethren need this place for worship. Thanks to everyone who is helping to make this a reality.
3. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to Justin and Tiffany Hanson in the death of 7 year old son, Carter.
4. Poinsettia For Building: Thanks to all who contributed to purchase the Poinsettias to decorate the building.
5. Christmas Breakfast/Service Project: There will be a special Christmas breakfast for all of our young people, age infant through high school, on Saturday, December 8th at 9:00 am here at the building. Parents, please see Kelli Smith or Ashley Holladay to get the information concerning gifts to buy for the children to bring for the foster children. This will be a great way to serve those in our community and we hope we can all participate.
6. Christmas Party: The Christmas Party at Barbara Walker's will be on Saturday, December 8th at 6:30 pm. All ladies are invited.
7. Basics
Training: Mitch
Bozeman is in basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Please keep him in your
prayers.
8 Birthdays: Celebrating
birthdays this week: December
2nd BJ
Alford,December 5th Brooklyn
Acree, and December
7th Eleanor
Stabler.
9 Crowne Health Care: There will not be a class at Crowne Health Care December 29th. A special "Thank You," to those who continue to help with this good work.
10. Thank You Note: Thank you for the beautiful flowers you sent for the service. Brother Box you have been so kind and helpful. Thank you all so much for everything. The family of Trey Flowers
12. Sign-Up Sheets 2013: The sign-up sheets for 2013 are on the bulletin board. Please volunteer to help. Many of you do so many good things. Thank You!
13. Food Committee List: There are sheets on the bulletin board for the Food Committee. Please sign-up even if you have been on a committee before.
14. Jerry Barr Mission Fund: Please contribute to the "Jerry Barr Mission Fund." This fund was set up by Joan and other members of Jerry's family. This money will be used to help with mission trips, build building and support other mission needs. Make checks to Walnut Street Church of Christ -- "Jerry Barr Mission Fund." Jerry's love for mission work lives on.
15. Carl Sessions Camp Fund: Please contribute to the "Carl Sessions Camp Fund." This makes it possible for all Walnut Street Children to attend Bible Camp. Make checks to Walnut Street Church of Christ and mark them "Carl Sessions Camp Fund." A very special "Thank You" is given to everyone who has given to this great work. Lives are being changed!
Rejoice?
If you look at the world a certain way, it's easy not to rejoice. Life is stressful. I keep waiting for that time when everything slows down. Then, I tell myself, I'll be less stressed and more content. Do you ever fall into this trap?
There's negative stuff all around us, which, if we're so inclined, can dampen our spirits. An uncertain economy. A rising deficit. Strife in the Middle East (isn't there always?). Personally, perhaps there's uncertainty about health (why these weird symptoms?). And concern for the kids (Lord, help them to turn out okay...). And a million more besides.
But our world isn't any different from the one the Bible spoke to. Parents worried about their children. They stressed over the new emperor. In ways we can't even imagine, their physical health was always a concern (no antibiotics???). Yes, to that world, and to ours, Paul wrote: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). Notice that he didn't say, "Rejoice always." The little prepositional phrase in the middle makes all the difference. If our joy depends on perfect health or a booming economy, it'll be short-lived. If our contentment hinges on a stress-free life or perfect relationships, we'll always be disappointed. It just won't work. Which is why Paul said to rejoice "in the Lord."
Rejoice because of our relationship to Jesus Christ. Because he saved us. Because even though this world is messed up, our Lord rescues people and changes lives. Because our names are written in the book of life, and we've got a certain hope for tomorrow. No matter what kind of stresses we face today. Rejoice, Paul says. In the Lord.
- - - - Chuck Webster
(Hoover Church of Christ)
Everybody is accountable for their sins but, thanks to Christ's sacrifice, we can overcome them.
Don't Just Own A Bible, Read It!
Walnut Street Church of Christ
P.O. Box 551
Greenville, AL 36037-0551
(334-382-3001)
