Basic HTML Version
68
S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 5
and betrayed Him to the priests, being fully persuaded that Christ
would not allow Himself to be taken.
Judas was a religious fraud. He held up a high standard for
others, but he himself utterly failed to reach the Bible standard. He
did not bring the religion of Christ into his life. How many today
are, like Judas, betraying their Lord? Those who follow dishonest
practices in business, sacrifice Christ for gain and reveal a wisdom
that is after Satan’s order. Speculation for selfish gain will not be
brought into the life of the man who has that faith which works by
love and purifies the soul (
Letter 40, 1901
).
(
Mark 3:19
.) Jesus Dealt Wisely With Judas
—Christ knew,
when He permitted Judas to connect with Him as one of the twelve,
that Judas was possessed of the demon of selfishness. He knew
that this professed disciple would betray Him, and yet He did not
separate him from the other disciples, and send him away. He was
preparing the minds of these men for His death and ascension, and
He foresaw that should He dismiss Judas, Satan would use him to
spread reports that would be difficult to meet and explain.
The leaders of the Jewish nation were watching and searching
for something that they could use to make of no effect the words
of Christ. The Saviour knew that Judas, if dismissed, could so
misconstrue and mystify His statements that the Jews would accept
a false version of His words, using this version to bring terrible harm
to the disciples, and to leave on the minds of Christ’s enemies the
impression that the Jews were justified in taking the attitude that
they did toward Jesus and His disciples.
Christ did not, therefore, send Judas from His presence, but kept
him by His side, where He could counteract the influence that he
might exert against His work (
The Review and Herald, May 12,
1903
).
26-29
. See
EGW comment on 1 Corinthians 11:18-34, 23-26
.
28 (
1 Corinthians 11:25
; see
EGW comment on Leviticus
17:11
). The Peace-making Cup
—The atoning sacrifice is full and
sufficient. It is the new covenant, sealed with His blood, which was
shed for many for the remission of sins. This Christ declared at the
last supper. In this cup there is to those who drink in faith, peace-
making, soul-cleansing efficacy. It is the balm of Gilead, which God