Judas Iscariot the model of our need for Grace. Hmm...Interesting. (Near.Far.)
Judas the disciple. Judas the Preacher. Judas who cast out demons. Judas worshiping Jesus. Judas....ahh yes, the one who betrayed Jesus...that sounds more like it.
I never really thought to question church history when thinking about legacy of Judas. It just seems to be entirely accurate. Judas was evil. Judas was a traitor. Judas helped kill Jesus. Judas killed himself because of Satan's grasp on him...and went where he belonged.
I just always forget about the life he lived before he betrayed Jesus, which is slightly overshadowed when most times his name is mentioned it is followed by a "the one who betrayed Jesus". What if they they did that to the other disciples...Peter, the one who denied Jesus three times...James and John, the ones who were obsessed with their standing in Heaven...Thomas, the one who doubted that Jesus resurrected. That sounds a bit different.
Not that I mind, it's just hard to see him as an actual disciple, which he was, rather than a backstabber, which he became. and------> Just to clarify, I am not arguing that Judas should be considered faultless and hailed only for the good things God did through him. BUT
Judas as an reminder of our need for Grace. This dude was a friken disciple for goodness sake. He was lead by the Devil. He made a mistake. He felt terrible. He realized what he had done. He owned up to his sin. He tried to take it back, but he couldn't. He was helpless before God.
He betrayed Jesus. That is difficult to get over....until we look in the mirror.
We do it all the time...In the way we treat each other...In the thoughts that we have for someone we cannot stand...In the lust we have for worldly things like money, security, happiness, and pleasure. Is it really that easy for us to point the finger at Judas? My answer is yes (though it should be No)
Why? Because we tend to resort to legalism when dealing with peoples mistakes. Good old black and white legalism. (Ironically, We judge ourselves on our feelings and others on their actions)
The nature of the Kingdom of God is not based on legalism, but Grace.
Ahh...Grace.
