"We are Judas"
(from the message "Jesus Loves Judas"                                                                                                                                                               
             Jesus realized Judas would betray him.  Yet Jesus did not masquerade outwardly as a caring Master while at the same time in his mind and heart think, “What a dud this guy Judas is.  I have shown him nothing but unconditional love, and he betrays me?  I chose him as my disciple and made him who he…and he does this!”

          No, Jesus continued to love…and like…Judas.  He preserved their camaraderie.  He explained to Judas about the Kingdom of God.  He shared His belongings with him like the other disciples.  He sent Judas to minister to the masses.  Judas prayed and healed the sick.  Jesus shared His most personal reflections and struggles with Him.  Jesus entrusted the Kingdom of God to Judas.   

          Even though He knew Judas would betray him, he did not…somehow…allow that to affect their personal relationship.  He could read Judas’ heart and mind and knew he could literally be “the devil’s minion.”  Yet somehow He loved Judas, and genuinely liked him. 

          Did Jesus know that Judas, while acting as their treasurer, was dipping into the till for personal gain?  Of course.  Nevertheless, Jesus did not berate him publicly or even remove him from his position.  How could Jesus continue to walk and talk and eat and share and minister and live with such a man every day?

WE ARE JUDAS

          Before we condemn Jesus’ actions (or lack of) regarding Judas, let me present one vital truth – I am Judas………………..you are Judas.  Who here has never betrayed our Lord?  Who present today has never disobeyed God, rebelled against His truth, rejected His guidance, willfully sinned against Him, refused His love, and/or selfishly disregarded Him?  “Not one of us” according to the Scriptures and the Apostle Paul (Romans 3).  Not one of us is righteous.  We have all sinned. 

          I am Judas…………………..you are Judas.  Is Judas to a large extent different than say….Simon Peter?  Peter stubbornly refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet.  Peter let his eyes stray away from Jesus and began to sink into the sea.  Peter drew his sword and sliced off the ear of one of the Chief Priest’s servants when they approached to arrest Jesus.  Peter attempted to stop the Lord from completing His vital mission of laying down His life for us.  At that very time Jesus sharply rebuked him, “Get behind Me, Satan” (Mt. 16:23)!  Yes, Christ called Peter Satan himself!  It is eerily similar to Jesus’ description of Judas as “a devil.” 

          Peter was the one who took a catnap in the Garden of Gethsemane on the fateful night of our Lord’s intense agony when he was supposed to be watching and praying.  Peter, along with all the other disciples, abandoned Jesus during his time of need.  Peter was the one who publicly denied He even knew Jesus three different times!  

          So…tell me, was the great Saint Simon Peter at this time elevated to such a higher plateau than Judas?  I think not.  Am I abundantly more Spiritual than Simon Peter or Judas Iscariot?  Again, I think not. 

          Peter was a Judas…in a way.  I am Judas…in a way.  You are Judas…in a way.  Aren’t we glad Jesus loved Simon Peter anyway?  Aren’t we glad Jesus loved Judas anyway?  Aren’t we glad Jesus loves us anyway?