2024_08_12 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- John 12:1-6, Luke 22:1-21, Matthew 26:1-25, Matthew 26:47-51, Matthew 27:1-8, Acts 1:16-19
Judas’ story is, to me, one of the most perplexing and frightening in all of scripture. I don’t understand how he could live and travel with Jesus, listening to His teaching for three years, and yet betray Him. Reading through the passages outlined in this week’s reading, you will see that the disciples did not suspect Judas. John’s assessment of Judas’ character in John 12 benefited from hindsight. Judas was a trusted member of their group. All but Jesus were shocked by his betrayal.
As I ponder Judas’ story, I’m struck by the implications of doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Scripture tells us that Judas did the same things the other disciples did, including casting out demons and healing (see Luke 9:1-6). He was so close, yet ultimately so far away from the truth. Did he ever honestly believe? What were his motivations for following Jesus? From Jesus’ words in John 6:70-71, Judas never believed. If that interpretation is correct, what was Judas’ endgame? We can speculate, but we are left wondering.
Judas’ story causes me to take a hard look at myself. Do my actions and my heart line up? Why do I do the things I do? Am I placing priority on the right things? What is my motivation? In the words of Kyle Idleman (2016), am I a fan of Jesus or a follower?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7 that there are “true and false disciples,” those He knows and those He does not. Let’s take a look:
21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” Matthew 7:21-23, NLT
Attending church is not enough. Serving on a team is not enough. Being in a small group is not enough. All great things, but Jesus is asking for more. He wants us to acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a savior, believe that He is that Savior, confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, accept the gift He offers us, and commit to following Him. He wants to change your life, your heart, and your motivations. Don’t stop at close because close only counts in horseshoes. Give Him your all.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
Reference: Idleman, K. (2016). Not a fan updated and expanded: Becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus. Zondervan.