Judas' Apostasy in Light of God's FaithfulnessSample

Jesus called 12 to represent Him, and they all did

It is unthinkable that Jesus would choose “a devil” for Himself, to represent Him in ministry to needy souls on the brink of eternal doom.

No present-day leader (political, moral, or religious) would think of choosing an opponent to receive all his secrets and help in furthering his cause.

Luke 6:13, 16: “When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles. . . and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

Matthew 10:16: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.”

Matthew 10:20: “for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Matthew 10:22: “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (unfortunately, Judas did not stand firm till the end)

Look at the testimony about Judas in Acts; when the disciples knew what Judas had become:

Acts 1:17: “He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

Acts 1:24-25: “Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”

Judas conformed to the behavior of the Twelve so well for three years that when Jesus told the group that one of them would betray Him, they began saying to Him, “Is it I?” (John 13:22). He was an apostle, a disciple, and a minister of the Gospel. It is a shame he walked away from such a life-changing ministry, just because of the cost in serving Jesus.

Reflection: Do we serve Jesus just to get something out of it, or do we realize the infinite value of being a child of the King? Jesus was always clear about the cost of discipleship – denying ourselves and taking up our cross.