I was pondering this though as I reflected upon the weeks lesson for the kids that I have the honor of serving at Discovery Church. The lesson for the week is about Humility and how Jesus took upon the action of service by washing the disciples feet. The one thing that has always struck me is that he washed Judas' feet along with all the other disciples even though immediately after this act of service He announces the betrayal of not only Judas but Peter as well, Peter’s denial (John 13) What comes to mind for me today is the difference between the two disciples, Peter and Judas.
What is the difference?
Peter: is outspoken, a natural leader, honest, opinionated, and many other thing but that is not what really separates him from being a “Judas”.
Judas: is obscure in the Gospels, we know he was in charge of the money. So, he at least appeared to be responsible, based upon the Gospels, he may have been an introvert because we don’t have him making any overt statements like Peter, Thomas, John, and James. Except of course his false humility statement in John 12:4-7 about money being used for the poor, which gives us, incite to his deceptiveness.
But all of these things are not what really separates Judas from Peter.
What I believe separates these two men one from being the instrument of the Holy Spirit to preach at Pentecost and “begin” the Church (Acts 2) and the one who became the ultimate “antichrist”, at least during that period in the Story, by actually begin possessed by Satan and betraying the Lord of Glory resulting in Jesus death upon a cross (John 13:27, 18:1-9). The simple answer that I believe is the difference is one actually knew Jesus and the other only knew about Jesus. One believed in the God’s mercy and forgiveness for sinners (Exodus 34:6-7, John 21:1-19). The other, Judas was so self-centered that in despair he took his own life rather then go to God for forgiveness (Matthew 27:3-10).
I am reminded of the parallel between David and Saul as I write this, which seem to me to be very similar.
So the question is do you know God for who He is not who you want Him to be? Which is a very important question to consider in light of eternity.
Just a thought,
Neimad
