Not many events or sayings of Jesus are recorded in all 4 of the New Testament gospels, but this is. When the disciples are listed, Judas is called out as the one who betrayed Jesus.
Why such prominence for such a sad example of a Jesus follower? His story is powerful and relevant. God is telling us to pay attention, not just to Judas, not just to Jesus, but to our own following of Jesus.
The Bible reports that supporters of Jesus donated money for his ministry. The Bible also reports that Judas would steal money, and often. Jesus knew that, yet put this thief in charge of the funds anyway.
Jesus wants Judas to teach you about the powerful temptation of money that pulls at your heart—in ways you think you understand but don’t. Judas thought he could follow Jesus and steal from Jesus. That sounds ridiculous. Because money is so deceitful (Mark 4:19).
Jesus wants you to see his own priorities, his own trust in his Father’s provisions, his own teaching of truth put into practice. Jesus trusted in his Father so much that he wasn’t afraid of being shortchanged by Judas.
Jesus slept more peacefully than this embezzler did, because his love and trust was in the right place. Is yours? Does that show in your charity and generosity? In your peacefulness about money?
I believe that Judas truly wanted Jesus, but only on Judas’ own terms. Judas wanted to play with his sin of embezzling, feel the rush of secret and evil, and live a pretend life of discipleship. In the end, it got the best of him.
Why, Judas? Why? Because “those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9,10).
Judas was eager for money, perhaps also for his own aspirations and some recognition that he didn’t find among the Twelve. But did find recognition among the wicked religious leaders who paid him to betray Jesus.
Jesus wasn’t eager for money, but was eager for salvation. He became poor and took on the life of a servant and even sacrifice. Jesus was pierced with the griefs of all those—even you—who have sinned like Judas.
Sadly, Jesus offered Judas everything Judas wanted but Judas just couldn’t see it. Jesus offers you just as much. Do you see it?
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, what incredible trust you placed in your Father to overcome the theft and betrayal of Judas! What love you showed us. Teach me to trust in God more than money, and to resist its empty promises to find full life in you. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Read more about Judas and Jesus in these Bible sections: John 6:70, 12:4-6; 13:21-27; Matthew 27:3-5; Psalm 41:9.