Posted on 05/30/2016 6:46:49 PM PDT by metmom
The twelve apostles included "Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him" (Matt. 10:4).
God can use even an apostate like Judas to teach us some important lessons.
Judas is history's greatest human tragedy. He had opportunities and privileges known only to the other disciples, but he turned from them to pursue a course of destruction. Yet even from his foolishness we can learn some important lessons.
Judas, for example, is the world's greatest example of lost opportunity. He ministered for three years with Jesus Himself but was content merely to associate with Him, never submitting to Him in saving faith. Millions of others have followed his example by hearing the gospel and associating with Christians, yet rejecting Christ. Tragically, like Judas, once death comes they too are damned for all eternity.
Judas is also the world's greatest example of wasted privileges. He could have had the riches of an eternal inheritance but instead chose thirty pieces of silver. In that respect he is also the greatest illustration of the destructiveness and damnation greed can bring. He did an unthinkable thing, yet he has many contemporary counterparts in those who place wealth and pleasure above godliness.
On the positive side, Judas is the world's greatest illustration of the forbearing, patient love of God. Knowing what Judas would do, Jesus tolerated him for three years. Beyond that, He constantly reached out to him and even called him "friend" after his kiss of betrayal (Matt. 26:50).
If you've ever been betrayed by a friend, you know the pain it can bring. But the Lord's pain was compounded many times over because He knew He would be betrayed and because the consequences were so serious. Yet He endured the pain because He loved Judas and knew that His own betrayal was a necessary part of the redemptive plan.
The sins that destroyed Judas are common sins that you must avoid at all costs! Use every opportunity and privilege God gives you, and never take advantage of His patience.
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank Jesus for the pain he endured at the hands of Judas. Pray that you will never cause Him such pain.
For Further Study
Read 1 Timothy 6:6-19.
What perils await those who desire wealth? Rather than pursuing wealth, what should you pursue? What attitude should wealthy people have toward their money?
The second part of your question. Jesus came to earth to be the Sacrifice that would redeem us from sin and give us life eternal. Was Judas’ betrayal necessary part of that Sacrifice? If Judas had not betrayed Jesus how then would the Sacrifice had come about?
I do believe, though, that Isaiah prophesied that He would be betrayed. So that means that it was the plan all along.
Thank you.
Terycarl I was on the receiving end of a similar attack on a different thread for asking a similar question.
Master Sergeant, USAF, retired. Thank goodness for being retired.
I'm sure God could have worked out the details.
Honestly, what's the point of all the *what if's*?
They accomplish nothing as there is no answer for them and never will be.
That’s an “attack”?????
Is that hat the precious little snowflake looks at questions as?
Then why shop at the Pottery Barn if you do not like it's products?
Good one Els, the old potter vs the clay trick.
Remember the Flood. How many untold millions and millions did God wipe out in the Flood? How many "innocent" babies were killed in the Flood? Some people might have a problem with God for that, but He didn't ask for my opinion on it. I was not there to give God advice on how to lay the foundation of the earth. 😄😎
You ARE free to comment on the pope’s politics.
Wouldn't he be right at home in the democrat party?
It appears so; if the comments from our FR Catholics are correct.
Please remember this response the very next time I ask you a question, because that is exactly the attitude you have.
God and I are on a first name basis and I give Him my opinion whether He asks for it or not.
Lucifer was an angel and tempted others, I fully understand free will, but Judas was condemned from before his conception. I have a problem with creating someone who, from his conception, was condemned to hell.
Yeah, but compared to us, they are rank amateurs!!!
You apparently don’t understand free will. Lucifer, Judas, Adam and Eve and the Blessed Mother all had free will.
If you have a problem with God, you should find another religion with its own god.
Yet He created Lucifer. He created Lucifer even though He knew what he'd become, what he'd do to mankind, and where he'd end up.
Judas condemned himself. He was NOT created to betray Christ--he was created for something much better if he would make that decision. And he still could have saved himself afterwards if he would have had the same spiritual regret that Peter did after his betrayal.
God created all things through Christ--that includes all the evil things.
WRONG, I do indeed understand free will, (that's why I don't understand Sodom and Gomorrah, if God gave us free will, why punish those who use it?).....anyway, I believe that Judas was destined to betray Christ before the day that he (Judas) was conceived.
Do you not see your own contradiction? If men did not have free will, why punish them? But humans do have free will; and it's their will that determines their eternal reward or punishment. If you don't understand Sodom and Gomarrah, and its just punishment, I can't help you.
Do you believe in Hell? If so, do you believe there are souls in Hell? If so, do you think those souls had free will?
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