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Humble Hero
poured out on the disciples, Philip became a godly teacher who
taught with an assurance that carried conviction to the hearers.
While Jesus was preparing the disciples for ordination, one
whom He had not called pressed in among them. Judas Iscariot, a
professed follower of Christ, came forward, asking for a place in this
inner circle. By joining the apostles, he hoped to gain a high place
in the new kingdom. He looked like someone important, he had
a keen mind and executive ability, and the disciples recommended
him to Jesus as one who would help Him greatly in His work. If
Jesus had turned Judas away, they would have questioned their Mas-
ter’s wisdom. However, the later history of Judas would show the
danger of allowing worldly consideration to have weight in deciding
someone’s fitness for the work of God.
Yet Judas felt the influence of the divine power that was drawing
people to the Savior. Jesus would not reject this man while even one
desire was reaching toward the light. The Savior read Judas’s heart.
He knew the depths of sin to which he would sink, unless he was
delivered by the grace of God. In connecting this man with Himself,
He placed him where day by day he could come into contact with
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His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, even
Judas might become a citizen of the kingdom of God.
God takes people as they are and trains them for His service,
if they will be disciplined and learn from Him. Through knowing
and practicing the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may be
transformed into His image.
Judas had the same opportunities as the other disciples had. But
to follow the truth was not what he wanted or intended, and he would
not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from Heaven.
Tenderly the Savior dealt with the one who was to be His be-
trayer! Jesus showed Judas the hateful character of greed. Many
times the disciple realized that Jesus had portrayed his character
and pointed out his sin, but he would not confess and forsake his
unrighteousness. He continued to follow his dishonest practices.
Lesson after lesson fell in vain on the ears of Judas.