Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot, we know him as traitor. His name is a stigma. At this time of the year, during Lent, his name comes up for mention repeatedly.

Few men have had the privileges that were accorded to him. He sat at the feet of Jesus, walked with Him as He went round teaching, preaching and healing the sick. He certainly knew Jesus first hand. Judas probably had all the appearances of a good disciple. Apparently he was reverent, charitable, well disposed and took care of the common fund.

That Judas was a conspirator was not known to the other disciples. After Jesus had celebrated the passover with His disciples, they were wondering within themselves who was going to betray their Master. Judas was not wondering. He knew what he was going to do. "As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night." John 13: 30 Sin loves darkness, this was no exception. Judas met the enemies of Christ and agreed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver - the price of a slave!

When he came to the realization of the wickedness of his action,he tried to free his smitten conscience somewhat by returning the money. "I have betrayed innocent blood." It was too late. The evil deed was done. We know the rest of the story. Our Lord was crucified on the cross.

We criticise and condemn Judas. At this Lenten season, let us examine our own hearts. Are we selling Christ for a few pieces of silver? Are we stifling our convictions for material gain?

The forces of sin that beset Judas beset us as well. Take heed.