Judas
613
did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He
trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with
power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come
to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give
up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the
position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the
divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and
opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse.
Judas was highly regarded by the disciples, and had great influence
over them. He himself had a high opinion of his own qualifications,
and looked upon his brethren as greatly inferior to him in judgment
and ability. They did not see their opportunities, he thought, and take
advantage of circumstances. The church would never prosper with
such shortsighted men as leaders. Peter was impetuous; he would move
without consideration. John, who was treasuring up the truths that
fell from Christ’s lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier.
Matthew, whose training had taught him accuracy in all things, was
very particular in regard to honesty, and he was ever contemplating
the words of Christ, and became so absorbed in them that, as Judas
thought, he could not be trusted to do sharp, far-seeing business. Thus
Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church
would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were
not for his ability as a manager. Judas regarded himself as the capable
one, who could not be overreached. In his own estimation he was an
honor to the cause, and as such he always represented himself.
Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character, and Christ
placed him where he would have an opportunity to see and correct this.
As treasurer for the disciples, he was called upon to provide for the
needs of the little company, and to relieve the necessities of the poor.
When in the Passover chamber Jesus said to him, “That thou doest,
do quickly” (
John 13:27
), the disciples thought He had bidden him
[718]
buy what was needed for the feast, or give something to the poor. In
ministering to others, Judas might have developed an unselfish spirit.
But while listening daily to the lessons of Christ and witnessing His
unselfish life, Judas indulged his covetous disposition. The small sums
that came into his hands were a continual temptation. Often when he
did a little service for Christ, or devoted time to religious purposes, he