4/22/2014 A Practical ManScriptures: Matthew 26:17-25
Have you ever met a person named Judas? Probably not. The name Judas signifies betrayal. Now the name Judas does not carry a positive legacy, but the other eleven disciples did not see Judas that way. When Jesus told them that one of them would betray him, not one of them pointed at Judas. Judas was seen as just another disciple. He witnessed amazing events, he participated in outreach and he even had special responsibilities with the Bible calling him the keeper of the bag. None of the other disciples had reasons to suspect Judas. Judas did not stand out as different: we see only one time scripture where Jesus had a problem with Judas. A woman was worshiping Jesus by anointing him with an expensive perfume and the practical side of Judas came out. Jesus corrected Judas saying: "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," in John 12. We all have some things in common with Judas. We have fellowship with Jesus. We spread the Word. We all have special responsibilities for the Kingdom. But spiritual privilege does not guarantee salvation! We all have a practical side. What was it that got Judas in so much trouble? Judas would not let go of the aspects of his life which kept him in the past: Judas would not allow Jesus to become his full security. Judas felt secure being practical and taking care of things for himself. We must recognize that Jesus' ways are not always practical. Our practical sides can keep us from following Jesus completely. Judas never saw where he belonged: he became tempted to take care of himself. He jumped at the first offer that came his way: 30 pieces of silver sounded good to his practical side. The quickest way to fall to deception is to lose your sense of belonging. Judas put limitations on the grace of God. Grace does not make sense! Judas got to the point where he felt all he had left was a rope. Jesus' whole life was about restoration and Judas never understood. The thing you need the most in life is the grace of the God and the thing you need to offer the most to others is the grace of God. Comments are closed.
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