"Wealth gained hastily will dwindle.." Proverbs 13:11
Why did Judas opt for selfishness, deceit and greed when he could have been freed?
“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings." Proverbs 4:18-20
"Self is the root, the tree, and the branches of all the evils of our fallen state." - William Law
Q: What’s a popular type of photography today?
A: Selfies, yet how many people have died in this selfie culture.. you know, while takin’ or attempting to take a photo?
As this world now starts to emerge from all the COVID-19-related isolation, selfie-related fatalities have just skyrocketed. There have already been 24 reported deaths associated with daredevils looking for the perfect self-portrait.
That’s up from last year. People have literally been dying to take impressive running, not looking, jumping, driving, climbing, dodging planes and trains type of selfies since 2016.
This is really crazy stuff. But really this sort of sums up our current culture. And what is that about? Well, we’re living in what someone might call a selfie “i”phone world and culture now.
“Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!” Proverbs 21:26 nlt
"An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels." Proverbs 18:1
Why did Judas opt for the selfish lifestyle, for the deceit and greed when he could have been freed? He had such a great Friend to stick by him who was loyal to the end!
"The man of too many friends chosen indiscriminately will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, but there is a true, loving friend who is reliable and sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24 amp
“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” msg
Do you have some so called friends who are really deceptively lame and merely selfish or greedy actors?
“There are ‘friends’ who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. “ tlb
Yeah, when unselfish Jesus captures our hearts (one by one because each one of us matter to Him..) He begins the lifetime loving process of wooing and sanctifying us so that we don't have to be or live selfishly anymore?
What stellar awesome character has He! So gracious, beyond what's even excellent. What winsome, considerate selfless love! So thoughtful, true and kind.
When He wins our heart we’ll have discerning hearts unlike Judas had. Jesus tried to win, but never did capture the heart of selfish Judas.
Go look at the whole context of the 13th chapter of the Gospel of John. Christ had just selflessly washed the grimy feet of all the disciples. The King was a humble servant for those He created.
The feet of Judas were as clean as the feet of Peter perhaps, but unfortunately, Judas's heart was more grimy and foul for evil had literally penetrated into his person.
Even the inner circle of Jesus Christ's disciples had a very evil person there, and what are those character flaws that led to Judas’ cruel betrayal of innocent Jesus? Judas had a covetous, deceitful, selfish heart. He was all-out greedy but wanted to hide that.
If you take your Bible and at John chapter 13 and turn back just a page to the 12th chapter guess what... you find a dinner in verse 2. It was given in honor of Jesus and humble unselfish Martha served there. And while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Jesus in verse 3, unselfish sis Mary took a pint of pure nard an expensive perfume and she poured it on Jesus feet wiping the two feet with her hair. She gave, she adored, she worshipped Him and the whole house was filled with a lovely fragrance of this perfume but one of his disciples was evil and selfish and living on the take. See Matthew’s account (below, or see Mark 14:3–9).
“And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor." But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.’ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.“
Yes, Judas Iscariot who was later to betray Christ got all gripey about that worship. John was writing his letter after the events so that we can understand. Judas voices his complaint.
“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him (sinless, unselfish, flawless Jesus)” Matt. 26:14-16, (#emph.mine. See Mrk. 14:10, 11; Lk. 22:3–6 ).
John then injects some thoughts, he did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and the keeper of the money bag and he used to help himself to what was put into it.
He was so into long-term selfish living, and into pilfering and into deception for personal gain. How did Judas pilfer the money? Did he just put his hand in the bag and take it? Maybe that's what he did sometimes. We can’t read between the ink in every story. Perhaps when Judas was sent to buy $50 worth of Hebrew food for the ministry team. We could say he actually used only $45, but said that he used the full $50 (in Jewish currency and coins) and then pocketed the rest. I don’t know.
One thing I do know about this Judas is that he really loved money and was evil. There's another statement found in the Gospel of Matthew. It says this, Then one of the twelve called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked. What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you.
So they counted out for Judas 30 silver coins and from that point onward he watched closely for an opportunity to hand his Friend over to the fools (murderers). Might not have known fully what they intended to do, but Judas didn’t care about Him who cared for Judas.
Now mind you his covetous heart was publicly cloaked with a great deal of weird religiosity. Judas was a poser. In Acts chapter 1 Peter is talking about what happened in the need to fulfill the vacancy where Judas was.
That Judas created by his selfish choices and acts, and Pete says he had a part in this ministry.
“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; ‘for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.’ (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) ‘For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it'; and, let another take his office.'...’Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; And they prayed and said, ‘You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen ‘to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.’” (Acts 1:16-20, 24-25)
You remember how this selfish betrayer had arranged a certain public signal with them--did you notice that? Judas was a deceptive kisser.
“And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.’ Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, why have you come?’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.” Matt. 26:47-50 (Also Mrk 14:43–52; Lk 22:47–53; Jn 18:1–11 )
In other words, Yo friend, do what you've come to do. Yeah, do what you've selfishly planned out. This traitor, this covetous betrayer, Judas, was so inverted, so greedy, and so cunning! He had real talent and so much ability that he was able to make his treachery come off as real love. Do you have friends like that? He easily made it look like loyalty to Jesus. And in the eyes of the people who were watching all this, they must have thought Wowza! Doesn't Judas live the unselfish life of love! He really cares about Jesus (not knowing of his creepy plot) they probably thought.
So that in the midst of this high treason and tension-situation, Judas is willing to walk right on over to Christ and give Him up by giving Him a kiss.... but it was pretense, the wicked kiss of betrayal. Many religious people today strike a pose and kiss as well.
Judas had a determined hard-hearted will. He was self-seeking, too independent and self-willed. The heart grew harder and harder cuz he must have the money. I shall do this for gain no matter the risk and personal cost.
And early in the morning all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the firm decision to put Jesus to death. The Father was allowing all this because of His love for sinners like me!
They bound Jesus and led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. He was beat and spit upon. When Judas who had betrayed Jesus saw some of what was happening to selfless Jesus and how He was even condemned to death. Judas was seized with remorse inside and then went and returned his 30 silver coins to the dead-inside religious chief priest and the elders. He said, I have sinned for I betrayed innocent blood. Man, Judas, you got what you long-lusted after. So what's your problem now? You are evil with your love of money and you've got it now. Give us a break, take a hike. See, Judas could not early see the intense remorse that would soon overtake him unto a self-done death.
“When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,’ he said. “What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘You bear the responsibility.’ So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself." Matt. 27:3-5
All that he could see early on perhaps through his mind-eye if ya will was the 30 silver coins, a real good hedge against the day’s inflation. And some money to be able to travel or to buy some things of comfort that normal hardworking folk aren't really able to afford. I mean he wanted to be a part of the wealthy upper crust. That's basically all Judas could early see. But what's his problem Mr. Hardened Heart? Now you’ve got it, so go away and leave us alone!
He could not predict the weight of remorse. He could not predict the emotional backlash etc. He could not predict the real guilt inside that wouldn’t head south from him. He didn’t pre-think about all the shame that would come on him, or about the results of his betrayal much. So what did he do? Judas chucked his money into the temple and split. There was no sympathy from those who were his fair-weather-cohorts, zero empathy, so Judas did what 25,000 Americans do every single year, he committed suicide to deal with the negative feelings and thoughts.
I wish that they and even Judas could have clearly heard the Message of the Word and perhaps at that famous passion play in Bavaria.
I’ll give you part of the soliloquy from that dorf’s Oberammergau Passion Play. Ja, it's ein Deutsches Play that has been performed every year since 1634 and then every 10 years since 1680 by the inhabitants of the small dorf in Bavaria. They do their best to make the passion feel real today -- they put out their message for our unselfish, living Christ.
How does it go, this soliloquy of Judas right before he goes out and hangs himself? Very emotional in a negative way!
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Danke viel mals. Photos by Herr Markus Spiske and Stefano Vigorelli |
“Where can I go to hide my shame and to cast off this agony? No places are dark enough. No, sea is deep enough! Earth, just open up and devour me! I can be no more. I've betrayed Him, the best of all men. I have delivered Him into the hands of his enemies to be tormented and executed. Where is there another man on whom such guilt rests (other than on ME now)?
I am a contemptible trader. How kind He has been towards me, how gently He comforted me? When dark rejection oppressed my soul, how He had warned me when I was already harboring this shameless betrayal inside me. And I, this is how I have rewarded Him for kindness. A curse said: Satan, you have made me blind inside!
Deaf, you tempted me to do this wicked deed and then will drag me off into the abyss, not a disciple any longer, hated everywhere. Despised everywhere, berated as the traitor that I am. Even by those who seduced me and exiled me from human society with this blazing fire within my gut! Everyone takes flight from me. Everyone curses me.
Still, there is One whose face I wish I could see again, to whom I could claim, but this One lies in iron chains and perhaps is already being led away to His death.. through my fault! Through my own fault, woe is me! To were there is no hope, no redemption at all. He is dying or dead and I am His murderer.
Cursed, cursed is that hour in which my mother gave birth to me. Am I to drag along with this martyr's kind of life? Can I any longer endure these torturers within me? They flee from others as one afflicted from the plague. No, I can bear them no more. Not another step with them shall I take down here. I will bring to an end my accursed life!
Here the most miserable of all fruit shall hang! Come you serpent. Come, you serpent, coil yourself around my throat and strangle this traitor!”
And with that, he dies. It didn't have to be this way. It was the end of his mother's dream right there. O Judas, this was my baby! Now I'll never see him again. It was the end of his father's dream as well. Judas' potential future and the possibility, now it's all gone! Forever it’s gone away.
If any selfish deceptive thief today (I mean any sincere greedy grifter with conviction inside..) would only just turn to Jesus in honest confession and repentance to believe, he or she would quickly be forgiven! Could be born anew spiritually! Can happen to you!
But biblical prophecy must be fulfilled, and it always is. God always knew Judas wouldn’t want to turn to Him. Talk to Him. God can easily grant you the "want to" to start to.. repent, believe and be saved!
This “remorse” he felt is a deep regret with shame and guilt for a wrong that’s been committed.. minus having any desire to admit it in repentance. Minus a desire to ask God for forgiveness.
We all must examine our hearts and find out what really motivates us to do what we do. Judas shows us how far away depraved people can stray and fall from God’s good will in Christ. Yes, even though to all observers, many people seem to already be God’s children. Not all are (all humans are His creations but we each must choose Jesus). None are the Father’s children until they come to Christ on God’s Bible terms instead come on their own terms.
Let’s dare not forget as we look at, as we re-check and glance at the Bible’s story of selfish Judas. We can learn what never to do or be! We can see how greedy-covetousness and deceit lead to sure consequences.
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith..” 1 Timothy 6:10 nlt
Only the Spirit’s grace draws us to Christ, He is the Imitator we are the responders to grace. He can change our inner heart of stone and our motivations, only His grace keeps us in the love and will of God. Come as you are to Him who is Pure. To Him, not to me (click).. come willing to be gently changed by a patient God, yes, into what you were always meant to be. More you than you’ve ever been before. Not religious, but real. God has never been religious for even a day. You’ll want that cleansing, you’ll want Him most! O yes, none compare with our lovely unselfish (sacrificial) Jesus. kurtwvs.medium.com
