Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' own disciples, was tempted by the promise of worldly wealth. He approached the chief priests, willing to betray Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. In doing so, he revealed a heart consumed by the love of money. This choice was driven by his desire for personal gain, a temptation that led to a grievous betrayal. The passage in 1 John 2:15-17 reminds us not to love the world or anything in it. It warns against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, as these desires originate from the world, not from God. The world and its desires are fleeting, while those who do the will of God inherit eternal life.

LEARN

The connection between Judas' betrayal and the teachings of 1 John is clear. Judas allowed the love of money, a product of worldly desire, to tempt him into betraying Jesus. The temptation of worldly wealth blinded him to the spiritual riches that came from following Christ. We, too, face the temptations of the world in various forms—materialism, greed, selfish ambition, and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. These temptations can influence our choices, just as they influenced Judas. They can lead us away from a life centered on God's will and His eternal promises.

APPLY

Be vigilant and discerning in the face of temptations to avoid the allure of the world from leading us into betraying our faith and values. We must choose wisely, for the treasures of this world are temporary, while the treasures of heaven are eternal. The story of Judas' betrayal of thirty pieces of silver is a reminder of the temptations of the world. Let us heed the words of 1 John 2:15-17 and be mindful of our choices. May we resist the allure of worldly desires and instead, pursue the eternal riches that come from loving and serving God with wholehearted devotion.