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The Desire of Ages
paid himself out of this meager fund. In his own eyes these pretexts
served to excuse his action; but in God’s sight he was a thief.
Christ’s oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this
world offended Judas. He had marked out a line upon which he ex-
pected Christ to work. He had planned that John the Baptist should
be delivered from prison. But lo, John was left to be beheaded. And
Jesus, instead of asserting His royal right and avenging the death of
John, retired with His disciples into a country place. Judas wanted
more aggressive warfare. He thought that if Jesus would not prevent
the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more
successful. He marked the increasing enmity of the Jewish leaders,
and saw their challenge unheeded when they demanded from Christ
a sign from heaven. His heart was open to unbelief, and the enemy
supplied thoughts of questioning and rebellion. Why did Jesus dwell
so much upon that which was discouraging? Why did He predict trial
and persecution for Himself and for His disciples? The prospect of
having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the
cause of Christ. Were his hopes to be disappointed? Judas had not
decided that Jesus was not the Son of God; but he was questioning,
and seeking to find some explanation of His mighty works.
Notwithstanding the Saviour’s own teaching, Judas was continually
advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At
the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this
occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude.
He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to
impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service
to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the
multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come
to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might
have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his
own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm
excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the
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project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were
high. His disappointment was bitter.
Christ’s discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life
was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words,
“Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye
have no life in you.”
John 6:53
. He saw that Christ was offering