Are You Like Judas?
I recently heard someone say, “There is a little bit of Judas inside all of us. “ The Judas being referenced is the same Judas, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus (Mark 14:10) with a kiss of death that lead to Jesus’ arrest, beating and crucifixion. This is the same Judas who Jesus called to be part of the 12 apostles (Luke 6:16). This is the same Judas who left everything behind to follow Jesus. This is the same Judas who walked with Jesus for three years – listening to His teachings, seeing Him heal the sick, and witnessing the miracles He performed. But in spite of all of this, Judas became conflicted in his relationship with Jesus and this inner conflict lead to Judas betraying Jesus.
Like Judas, we also find ourselves conflicted with Jesus. Jesus‘ solutions, values, and social ethics don’t always match up with ours which causes conflict in our relationship with Him. Maybe you have a secret sin or addiction that you pray for freedom from , but you just can’t let it go. You cry out to Jesus, but nothing changes. You think He doesn’t care, so you become conflicted with your relationship with him. Perhaps the world is placing such a great pressure on you to be accepting of things that clearly go against the teachings of Jesus and that pressure is causing you to become conflicted with your relationship with Jesus.
So, what is causing you to be conflicted with Jesus? Sex, lust, an inappropriate relationship, money, fame, pain, the teachings of the world? Are you willing to betray Jesus for what is conflicting you? Many of us are. What do you do when that happens? You confess and repent!
Matthew writes that when Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind, returned the 30 pieces of silver (Matt. 27:3) and said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matt. 27:4). Judas repented. Now repent is a humility word. You surrender my ego, You confess your brokenness and your sin. You ask God for the grace to follow Jesus and change your life.
So, where in your relationship are you feeling conflicted with Jesus? Talk to Him about it. Have you betrayed Him because of this conflict? If so, then repent.
~ Tim Hall https://twitter.com/1timothy12 (I encourage feedback, questions & comments - email me at 1timothy46@gmail.com)
