One person in the Bible whose action has made him unpopular is Judas Iscariot. He was one of the twelve disciples Jesus prayerfully chose (Luke 6:12-13). Jesus had spent all night praying on the mountain and after the prayer, He appointed the twelve. It is amazing that Judas Iscariot was one of those who were prayerfully chosen to be part of the twelve. Was Jesus not aware that Judas Iscariot would betray Him? Jesus knew the hearts of all men and did not make a mistake in choosing Judas Iscariot. The betrayer joined the ministry and for three and half years with Jesus, He also impacted lives, propagated the good news and was given authority over impure spirits (Matthew 10; Mark 6). And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” (Matthew 26:21) However, Judas is also known for the following: *A thief (John 12:3-6) *He didn’t love the poor (John 12;6) *He secretly went to the high priest to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10) *He was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16) *His lifestyle allowed Satan to enter him (John 13:27) Jesus was aware that one of the twelve was a devil (John 6:70-71) and yet Jesus did not drive him out of the twelve until God’s word was fulfilled. Certainly, the character of Judas Iscariot is not worth emulating. However, we learn important lessons from his lifestyle. The fact that we go to church always does not make us immune to evil. Judas listened to all the life-changing messages of Jesus. He saw many of the miracles including raising the dead back to life but he still betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas was sent and given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Judas Iscariot reported together with the rest of the disciples how Satan was subdued by their ministry (see Matthew 10; Mark 6). Our character must conform to Christ each day if not, we will be Christians who are ready to betray and crucify Jesus all over again (Hebrew 6:6). Judas experienced the love and compassion of Jesus towards the poor but he still betrayed him. At the end of his life, Judas committed suicide and the Apostles replaced him with another (Acts 1:25). He lost his position to be a foundation of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:4). Prayer: Dear God, remind me daily to work on my character so that I will experience all your good promises in Jesus name. Amen.
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