hopeless suicide or helpful service
Friends of mine are expecting their first baby any day now. When I asked, they had indeed chosen a male and female name for the child, even though they did not know if they were going to have a boy or a girl. Yet the name of Judas was not on their list. I imagine Judas’ name would not be on any list of possible children’s names.
Parents probably do not want to name their child after a man whose name is synonymous with betrayal. But if we are honest, none of us can avoid that same stigma, because all of us have betrayed Jesus at some point, in some way.
Luke the doctor records in his gospel (read Luke 22:47-62) that Judas was not the only guilty person mentioned. The other guilty person is remembered not so much as a deserter, but as a committed follower. His name is Peter. He is known as a disciple who walked on water, was a bit rambunctious, and as one whom Jesus reinstated after he turned his back on the Lord three times (John 21:17)
What made the difference between Judas and Peter? Why did one man’s life lead to hopeless suicide, while the other lead to helpful service?
Some people assume it happened because Judas never repented. Matthew 27:4 records that Judas admitted his guilt when he said to those who paid him to hand Jesus over to them, “I have betrayed innocent blood.” But why did Judas then take his own life?
Just like Peter, Judas was sorrowful for his actions. But sorrow does not lead to repentance according to 2 Corinthians 7:10. Many believe Judas knew he was guilty, but did not believe he could be forgiven. Therefore, Judas figured that taking his own life was the only way to get rid of his guilt. He then became his own judge, jury, and executioner.
What self-destructive habit do you battle with? Drinking? Spending? Lying? Inappropriate sexual expression? Self-mutilation? Eating (or not eating)? Failing to keep your word? Are you constantly punishing yourself for your sin(s)?
Worldly sorrow led Judas to admit his own sin and then try and erase its effects by destroying himself. Godly sorrow led Peter to admit his own sin and then allow Jesus to remove it.
Grow devotionally. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19, and 1 John 1:7. The real sin that ended the life of Judas was not betraying Jesus, but his failure to ask Jesus to forgive him.
Mike
P.S. For another example of the power and love of God at Easter, read Luke 22:50-51
