Chapter 76—Judas
The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might
have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey
to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a
place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The
abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not
have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history.
But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world.
It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts.
A little before the Passover, Judas had renewed his contract with the
priests to deliver Jesus into their hands. Then it was arranged that the
Saviour should be taken at one of His resorts for meditation and prayer.
Since the feast at the house of Simon, Judas had had opportunity to
reflect upon the deed which he had covenanted to perform, but his
purpose was unchanged. For thirty pieces of silver—the price of a
slave—he sold the Lord of glory to ignominy and death.
Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always
been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil
spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The
love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming
the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any
lengths in sin.
Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following
Christ. The Saviour’s teaching moved their hearts as they hung en-
tranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon
the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from
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the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed
the Saviour’s mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and
raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ’s
power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he
had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with
Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped
to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour
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