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How Judas Lost His Soul
427
Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was attaching
to Jesus’ words a meaning He had not conveyed. His suggestions
were constantly exciting ambitious desire for temporal preferment.
The dissension as to which should be greatest was generally excited
by Judas.
When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of
discipleship, Judas thought that a mistake had been made. Such men
as this ruler would help sustain Christ’s cause. Judas thought that he
personally could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little
church. In these things, he thought himself wiser than Christ.
Judas’s Last Opportunity to Repent
In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with
which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of
disaffection was doing its work. Jesus saw that Satan was opening up
a channel through which to influence the other disciples. Yet Judas
made no outward murmur until the feast in Simon’s house. When
Mary anointed the Saviour’s feet, Judas manifested his covetous
disposition. At the reproof from Jesus, wounded pride and desire
for revenge broke down the barriers. This will be the experience of
everyone who persists in tampering with sin.
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But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice
pledged to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance.
At the Passover supper Jesus tenderly included Judas in the ministry
to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. The feet
that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer’s work.
Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified, the event must
come to pass. His act would not change the result. If Jesus was not
to die, it would only force Him to deliver Himself. He counted that
he had made a sharp bargain in betraying his Lord.
Judas did not, however, believe Christ would permit Himself
to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach Him
a lesson. He intended to make the Saviour careful thenceforth to
treat him with due respect. Often when the scribes and Pharisees
had taken up stones to cast at Him, He had made His escape. Since
He had escaped so many snares, He certainly would not now allow
Himself to be taken.