“The Sad Life of Judas Iscariot”

 

BIBLE READING :Luke 21-22


                One that walked with Jesus, talked with Him, and heard the best preaching ever, turned on Him and was even used to have Him killed. Some of the details of this man are found in Luke 22. Here is what the Bible reveals about Judas Iscariot.

  • He was one of the 12 apostles.
    "Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; … and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him."  Matthew 10:2-4
  • There were signs of worldliness in Judas’ life. Sin took hold of him. He was a thief.
    "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, … Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein." John 12: 3-6
  • Satan used Judas. One sin led to others. Judas was not saved, and the devil got access to his heart and used him against Jesus.
    "… And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;" John 13:1-2   Also: Luke 22:3
    “That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” Acts 1:25
  • Judas sold out our Saviour. His sin of coveting money, led to stealing, and later it led to assisting in murder.
    "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him." Matthew 26:14-16   Also: Luke 22:4
    "And while he yet spake, lo, Judas , one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him ..." Matthew 26: 47-49
  • Judas got no satisfaction from sin. It led to his killing himself. Sin never fulfills; it often leaves one feeling guilty, empty, and desiring more sin. -- Matthew 27:3-5

                Here was a man who had some of the best opportunities to live for and to serve the Lord. One sin crept in, and as it usually does, led to committing others. The sad conclusion is that this man became an enemy of God and tried to destroy Jesus and His ministry on Earth. How grieved Judas was when he came to himself and realized what he had done. This same scenario has been echoed billions of times in the past. It can happen to the best: preachers, teachers, church bus drivers, and song leaders. No one is exempt from the strangle-hold of sin. Sin has a terrible price tag and will cost more than anyone ever wants to pay. The only safety is not to let "a little sin" get its roots in our lives. Flee and fear what could destroy your life — sin.                                                                                                                                                                   -Selected

 

 

 

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