Judas' Apostasy in Light of God's FaithfulnessSample

Judas continued to follow Jesus, but was he disappointed?

As Jesus spoke more clearly about the requirements of salvation in His later ministry, His popularity greatly declined. His followers were expecting a conqueror to take down the Roman oppressors and to establish His new kingdom here on earth.

In John 6:53-60, Jesus spoke about being the Bread of life, giving a very visual image of the need to ‘eat my flesh’ and ‘drink my blood,’ which shocked His listeners.” He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

John 6:66: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” The disciples mentioned in this passage were not part of the chosen twelve, there were many others who followed Jesus. Here we learn that some of those were disappointed and confused about this teaching. Judas remained with the twelve disciples, but in his heart was he also slipping away from Jesus?

In John 6:67-68, we find Jesus being concerned that everyone was leaving Him: “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Thomas showed confusion in John 14:5; Philip in John 14:6; Judas (not Iscariot) in John 14:22. In John 16:16-17 the disciples were totally confused about Jesus going away. And in John 16:32, Jesus reminded them that they not only would not be defending Him, but that they would all be scattered to their own homes. But being confused, discouraged, and doubting do not separate us from Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus can even survive panic, as when Jesus was arrested.

Reflection: Is our relationship with Jesus Christ based on all the good things He has done for us, and our hope of many good things to come? Have we considered that His infinite value is a much better basis for loving Him? Is He our solid Rock that can withstand any and every circumstance?