Basic HTML Version
Chapter 26
67
other, manifest the ennobling fullness of the Source from which they
flow (
Manuscript 28, 1897
).
14-16 (
Mark 14:10, 11
;
Luke 22:3-5
;
1 Timothy 6:10
). No
Outbreaking Sin
—The love of money in the heart of Judas was
growing with the exercise of his shrewd abilities. His practical
financiering ability if exercised and enlightened and moulded by the
Holy Spirit, would have been of great service to the little church,
and by the sanctification of his spirit he would have had a clear
insight, a correct discernment to appreciate heavenly things. But
worldly policy plans were constantly cherished by Judas. There was
no outbreaking sin on his part, but his sharp scheming, the selfish,
parsimonious spirit that took possession of him, finally led him to
sell his Lord for a small sum of money (
Manuscript 28, 1897
).
Two Kinds of Experience Confused by Judas
—There are two
kinds of experience—the outside showing and the inward working.
The divine and human were at work in the character of Judas. Satan
was working the human, Christ the divine. The Lord Jesus longed
to see Judas rise to his appointed privileges. But the human side
of Judas’ character was confused with his religious sentiments, and
treated by him as essential attributes. By taking this view of things,
he left an open door for Satan to enter and take possession of the
entire man. If Judas had practiced the lessons of Christ, he would
have surrendered to Christ, he would have consecrated his heart fully
to God; but his confused experience was misleading him (
Manuscript
28, 1897
).
A Religious Fraud
—The case of Judas has been presented to
me as a lesson for all. Judas was with Christ through the entire
period of the Saviour’s public ministry. He had all that Christ could
give him. Had he used his capabilities with earnest diligence, he
could have accumulated talents. Had he sought to be a blessing,
instead of a questioning, criticizing, selfish man, the Lord would
have used him to advance His kingdom. But Judas was a speculator.
He thought that he could manage the finances of the church, and
by his sharpness in business get gain. He was divided in heart. He
[1102]
loved the praise of the world. He refused to give up the world for
Christ. He never committed his eternal interests to Christ. He had
a superficial religion, and therefore he speculated upon his Master