Judas: The Victim?
Following is an excerpt from a book called: Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook by Robert J. Morgan and Joshua D. Rowe.
"The Times of London carried an article headlined, 'Judas the Misunderstood,' written by Richard Owen in Rome. The subtitle said, 'Vatican Moves to Clear Reviled Disciple's Name.' According to the article, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus with a kiss, is to be given a makeover by Vatican scholars.
The proposed 'rehabilitation' of the man who paid 30 pieces of silver to identify Jesus to Roman soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane comes on the grounds that he was not deliberately evil, but was just 'fulfilling his part of God's plan.'
The article went on to say that while Luke's Gospel claims that Judas was possessed by Satan. Modern scholars believe it's time to reconsider the Judas story in a way that revolves 'the problem of an apparent lack of mercy by Jesus towards one of his closest collaborators.'
Some Bible experts say Judas was 'a victim of a theological libel which helped create anti Semitism' and his rehabilitation could help the Pope's drive to improve Christian-Jewish relations, which he has made a priority of his pontificate" ("Judas the Misunderstood" by Richard Owens in The Times of London, January 2, 2006, accessed on January 17, 2006).
What do you think? Was Judas a victim? Was he possessed by Satan to betray Jesus? If he was, was he just fulfilling God's plan? Was Judas a victim of theological libel which helped create anti Semitism? If so how? Do you think we should 'rehabilitate' Judas? Will it help how people view Christians and Christianity in any way? Will it help improve Christian and Jewish relations? If so how?
What do you think?
Share your thoughts?
posted by preacherman @ 5:18:00 PM
73 Comments:
I guess that's the world we live in. It's easier to change things to read the way that makes us feel better about ourselves, than to read the words that help us see the 'truth' ab out ourselves.
Keith
Ugh. Just because someone in the Vatican says something does mean it's a) going to happen or b) true. It's been two years since that Times of London article, and I don't recall having seen anything come out of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Science. In fact, I can't find anything more recent than February 2006 about this.
The so-called "Gospel of Judas" was garbage when it was written, garbage when it was rejected from the canon of Scripture by the Church, and garbage now.
While it is clear from Scripture that Judas was carrying out part of the plan God had for the betrayal, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (since the events were prophesied multiple times), the Catholic understanding of God's sovereignty over history is that His knowledge of our personal decisions (such as Judas' decision to betray Christ) does not make Him the author of them. He has taken into consideration our free will when He laid out His plan for all of time.
Keith,
Thanks for your comments brother. I agree it makes us feel better that maybe Judas wasn't in control or didn't know what he was actually doing? Great points!
Japhy,
Thanks you so much for your comments on this topic in being a Catholic. I appreciate it. I understand that just because the Vatican says something doesn't mean it is going happen or be true. I know the article is two years old and still being debated by Biblical scholars even outside the Vatican.
I appecaiate your view on this subject. I totally agree that the gospel of Judas as garbage when it was written and needed to be rejected by the cannon of Scripture by the Church.
I see your point on Judas carrying out part of the plan of God.
Do you think in time that we will rehabilitate Judas? Does it need to be done? What do you think Japhy?
In their gospels both Matthew and John had a tendency to introduce Judas with a phrase to the effect of "the one who would betray [Jesus]". Contrast that with John's repeated reference to himself as the "disciple that Jesus loved."
We live in a world where everyone looks for the way that they can turn their misfortune and poor judgement into some sort of victimization. Why not do it with Judas too? I believe that most people who are looking for a way to turn Judas into a victim feel guilty about the amount of betrayal that they are doing to loved ones (and/or the Savior), and if they can get the Betrayer off the hook, they won't be responsible for their own actions either.
Benjie,
Great thoughts brother.
Thank you for sharing them.
It really made me think.
Japhy,
I do appreciate and think it is great for the Catholic Church to restore the relationship they have with Jewish people. I think all Christians should strive to do that and not be anti-Semetic.
just saying hi back!
I agree with what Keith said here,
"it's easier to change things to read the way that makes us feel better about ourselves"
First, a couple Scriptural notes about Judas. Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:19, Luke 6:16, and John 6:71 -- which introduce Judas as one of the Apostles of Jesus -- all name him as the one who would betray Jesus. Luke 22:3 says that Satan entered into Judas, at which time Judas went to the chief priests to discuss a plan for the handing over of Jesus. John 12:4-6 makes it clear that Judas was a thief. John 13:2 confirms that Satan had already (that is, before the Last Supper) put it into the heart of Judas to betray Jesus
Let's look at Simon Peter and Judas. Both were prophesied to do things and did those things: Simon Peter denied Christ, Judas betrayed Christ. Both were filled with remorse afterwards: Peter wept bitterly, and Judas regretted what he had done when he saw that Jesus had been condemned. BUT... Peter did not despair, whereas Judas did: Judas took his own life, but Peter sought the forgiveness of the Messiah.
What's my point? Both Judas and Peter did awful things... Jesus called Peter "Satan" when Peter attempted to talk him out of his impending Passion! Their acts leading up to the crucifixion were surely part of God's divine will (which took into account their free will). But was it God's desire for Judas to commit suicide?
Is it ever God's desire for us to kill ourselves, or to commit any sin at all? Can we ever say "God" -- instead of "the Devil" -- "made me do it"? God's permissive will permits our sin, only because His sovereign will has already taken our free will to account.
I accept Judas's actions as his free will (although known beforehand by God). I'm sure there were circumstances around his suicide (regret probably leading to severe depression), but in the end, he chose to kill himself. I also accept Peter's actions as his free will (although known beforehand by God).
Jel,
Long time no see.
I hope you are having a great week.
I want to thank you for your comments and adding to the discussion it means a lot.
Japhy,
I love the way you explain things. I never would have thought about Jesus calling Peter "Satan". Excellent point. I agree that both Judas and Peter did aweful things. Yet we are willing to forgive Peter and respect his two letters. Will Judas repuation be 'rehabilitated'? I don't know but somethimes I think we do look down more on Judas than any other disciple.
I believe Judas acted of his own free will. I believe he was motivated by stubborn pride and a vengeful spirit. When we read the gospels, it appears he went to the priests right after Jesus rebuked him and told him to leave the woman alone (remember the woman who was anointing his feet and the question about how the "MONEY" could be put to better use--when we are told Judas was already helping himself to some money) Anyway, right after that rebuke, he goes and plots to "get even" so to speak. It seems that later, when he realized what the possible consequences were, he went and tried to fix it, when he couldn't, rather than call rely on the forgiveness of the Lord, he coped by taking his life. It would have been very difficult for him to face his fellow apostles, who all knew that he was the betrayer who had delivered Messiah to His death. (I know that it was the appointed time for Jesus to die and He laid down His own life) I am just saying it would have been difficult for Judas.
Whenever I read the account, I feel so sad--sad that Judas' heart was about money, sad that he did not come to repent and accept forgiveness and sad that he never will be able to.
I've heard carefully written thoughts on whether Judas was ever welcomed into the Kingdom even after his betrayal and suicide. I think we all have assumptions we make about Judas from the frame given us by those who preach and teach this in our churches, and when someone attempts to take a hard look at the actual record and clear the air, that's a good thing.
Of course, having said that, I think this is a lame way of going about a laudable goal: restoring Jewish-Christian relations. Rehabilitating Judas' image by way of lost gospels over against the canonical gospels has a lot more downside than upside.
And what's more, since when has the Times of London ever gotten anything right about anything a Christian has ever said or done?
As far as Judas' image, I think the gospels are clear in their portrayal of him. If we despise him and spit on him, I hardly think we can claim the love of Christ in our hearts, but this hardly means we ought to hand him a victim's medal and applaud his efforts to "do what seemed right to him..."
Good post!
There is an author, though I don't remember his name, who mentioned that perhaps, Judas was simply trying to force Jesus' hand to rise up against Ceasar and establish "The Kingdom of Heaven".
Could it be possible that Judas' intention wasn't at all for Jesus to die on the cross?
Could it be possible that Judas believed in Jesus' power to succeed Herod in becoming "King of the Jews"? And that this was the way to do it?
We'll never know, but focusing on the faults of others seems to do well at distracting us from focusing on our own shortcomings. As far as I'm concerned, so many Christians (myself included) betray Christ very frequently with our own lives.
Kinney, I have always doubted that God created a person for the sole purpose of going to hell. The bible tells us that Judas repented of the deed he was called to do, to the point he could not live with his conscience. what does the bible say about giving your life for a friend.Look at what Jesus said about Judas and at what time he said it, this was said before Judas betrayed Jesus.
Jn:17:12: While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
I believe we should be careful when we judge someone no matter who it is.
I think it is possible that Judas wanted Jesus to "start something", because Judas didn't understand Christ's purpose. Peter didn't understand it either, since he tried to stop Jesus from fulfilling his Passion.
But I don't think Judas' suicide qualified as "giving his life for a friend". What spiritual director would suggest suicide to a person who repents of their sin?
Anonymous,
Thank you for stopping by my blog it means a lot. I want to say that I like what you have to say about money, excellent point!
Jason,
I want to thank you for the wonder insights into this topic. I appreciate your opinion. You make great points about suicide.
Josh,
I like how you mention how when we sin we betray Jesus in our own lives. Powerful brother! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic during this week leading up to Easter.
Laymond,
WOnderful point on God not wanting anyone or creating anyone to go to hell. I believe and scripture tells us that God wants all to repent. He wants all to come to Him. The question I have if he was "Fulfilling God's plan" would God send him to hell?
Japhy,
That is an interesting point.
The Jews believed that it was an earthly kingdom. Wonderful point!
Can a person Japhy repent before suicide? Did Judas confess His sin. Could he have said, "Father forgive me for what I am about to do?" What do you think?
I think Judas knew what he was doing. He had a choice.
Kinney, is it said in scripture that giving ones own life in repentance for helping to take another's life is a sin. I understand Jeff's belief is formed around the teachings of his church. But if we read the bible we understand that suicide is not the unforgivable sin, and there is only one. And no matter in which way it is given a life is the greatest sacrifice we can give. We know that Judas spirit was so troubled because of his part in the betrayal of Jesus, and weighed so heavy on his heart he could not go on living knowing what he had done.I believe that would be considered repentance.
I believe it is said somewhere God judges the heart. No i doubt Judas will spend eternity in hell because of something he had no control over. That is the way I see it.
I'm not saying suicide is an unforgivable sin, and certainly, in between the time the act is carried out and death actually occurs, the person can repent. We don't know Judas did that, so it's not for us to say where he is. It is true that God is the judge, and so wherever Judas is, God is just in His decision.
I just don't see how suicide can be seen as a form of repentance. It breaks one of the Ten Commandments. I expect one needs to repent of committing suicide (while one still can).
Japhy,
I agree that we can't discuss whether he repented before or not. That isn't where I want to go with discussion. Did Judas have a choice?
____________________________________
Other questions I have been thinking about does he need to be 'rehibitated' in order to make better relationships between Christians and Jews?
I think regardless of the actions of Judas, it comes down to a heart issue. We can all debate actions, but only God knows a person's heart. From what has been written we only have enough information to ponder rather than know for certain what God saw in Judas' heart.
One perspective of Judas has described him as having been greatly passionate, but politically motivated. His passion appears to have blinded him to Jesus' example of love and humility. And couldn't that describe many throughout the ages, even many today?
What troubles me most about the proposed re-write is the continued "revisionist" ideology that seems to be prevalent today which is so pervasive all throughout our society.
preacherman - I see. I'd say, yes, Judas had a choice, and he chose to betray Jesus. Simply because God knew Judas would choose to betray Jesus does not make God the author of his choice.
I don't deny that for much of the Church's history, Christians have looked at Judas as representative of all Jews. Obviously it was wrong to do so. But fixing our relationship with the Jews isn't necessarily related to Judas.
Thanks for sharing that preach.
Hope all is well with you.
I reposted my thoughts on Judas for you on my blog.
Have a happy!
God Bless ya!
The relationship between Christians and Jews is being restored in Gods timing. Many Jews are coming to know Jesus as we know him and many Christians are embracing Gods love for the Jews. A Jew rejecting Christ is the same as a Gentile rejecting Christ, we must pray for and reach out to all the lost of this world. As far as Judas, I don't see the need to revisit the version as we all know that Jesus had a forgiving heart and so should we. Had these events not came to pass we would have no hope. Once a person leaves us, it is not for us to worry about his or her status, because it is in Gods hands and I know he is a rightous judge.
Thanks for your kind comments on my blog.
I must admit that I have not given this much thought. I did not even know that some Christians use the example of Judas to support anit-Semitic biases. To be honest, I don't see a connection between Judas and Jewish people in general. As for Judas' responsibility in the matter, he was responsible for his character. He was a thief and untrustworthy as the Bible portrays him, even before Satan entered him. Perhaps his dishonesty opened the door for Satan to enter. Should his image be rehabilitated? Probably not. We should be honest about his character and actions, even though it makes us uncomfortable. We would have liked for him to have been a better man, but he simply was not. Was God responsible for Judas's actions because they were prophesied? No, as James taught, God is not responsible for sin and temptation. Jesus chose Judas, but Judas had every opportunity to do the right thing. He was close to Jesus, but his heart was not changed by the relationship. That may be the most frightening lesson from Judas's life. Thanks for a very thought-provoking post, Kinney.
Judas was a victim, but not MERELY a victim. All of us are victims of the world in which we live. This is what Paul means when he says, "you were by nature children of wrath." We are born into a world that twists and mauls and deforms us before we start to have a say in the matter. YET, like every victim, we still have a choice. HOW we suffer (whether for the sake of setting the world to rights or for our own sins) is the choice every believer, every human has.
Even if the possession by Satan rendered him unable to stop the proceedings he had initiated before the possession (like Pharoah hardening his own heart and then God hardening his heart later), Judas had control over whether or not he was a thief. He had a choice, and I don't see any stories of him giving that money back.
Judas walked with Jesus, and still went to the same priests that encouraged his sin, and sought forgiveness. Had he gone to Jesus, the whole story might be different.
If I drop a suitcase full of money off the bridge into the Kentucky River, is that the same as giving my possessions to the poor? Likewise, committing suicide (which probably isn't what Judas did anyway) cannot be equated to "giving your life for a friend." IF Judas committed suicide, he gave his life to end his grief, NOT "for his friend." Godly Sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. Worldly sorrow produces only death (2 Cor 7:10).
A friend of mine wrote the following about Judas:
It is my opinion that Judas had no idea and that he did not anticipate that Jesus would be condemned to death. He genuinely seemed to be caught by surprise that Jesus woild be condemned to die. It was after he saw what was going to happen to Jesus that Judas finally realized the magnitude of what his course of action had brought. He was horrified to the very core of his being as to what was happening and spinning out of his control! I am persuaded that his motivation was to force Jesus to take upon the mantle of King and unite the people behind him to overthrow the Roman government. But when he saw that Jesus truly did not want an earthly kingdom and He did not take up the sword and begion the revolution, suddenly all of the political aspirations of Judas were rendered meaningless. they no longer seemed to be "worth it." Trying to rectify the horrific scenes unfolding before his eyes, Judas raced back to the chief priests and elders, and confessed his sin., acknowledging the fact that he had "betrayed innocent blood." He was filled with deep remorse. Matthew reports that Judas "was choked" and it is often translated "hanged himself," which seems to be in contradiction to Luke's account. Luke in the Book of Acts reports that Judas suffered from a disruption of the bowels. Both of these symptoms are consistent with dysentery brought on by great remorse, and they solve the apparent contradiction and conflict between Matthew and Luke as to how Judas Iscariot died. Luke, a physician as well as a great historian given to detail, seemed to have the condition diagnosed well. If this is the case, I would have to conclude that Judas is with God now. However, this is all my opinion. The only one that matters is the Lord’s, and I know that He will judge fairly and righteously.
Nick,said "He had a choice, and I don't see any stories of him giving that money back."
Mt:27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
2: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
3: Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4: Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
5: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Laymond,
"Judas had control over whether of not he was a thief. He had a choice, and I don't read any stories of him giving the money back." That was a more complete quote. I believe Falantidios was writing about Judas' habit of stealing from Jesus and the apostles before he betrayed Jesus to his enemies. The Bible does not mention that he ever gave back that money. I think Falantidios was referencing that fact, rather than the pieces of silver that he threw into the temple.
That's great you visited our blog, we are also Church of Christ. I know a lot of people from Abilene, and also some that went to ACU. God bless!
As with all of us, Judas had a choice. Your post gave me a chance to think about the mental gymnastics Judas must have went through as he "reason" his way to his betrayal. I'm sure those "mental gymnastics" are some of the same ones you preacher types hear in counseling when someone who is having an affair says something like, "I know the affair is wrong but I know God wants me to be happy."
I believe Judas has a choice to betray Jesus or not. The question you ask made me really think. Well said, Preacherman.
Joey
Terry, if you are right and you sure could be, I guess Nick is the one to ask, but if he is referring to the ointment not sold for the poor and the accusation by John that Judas didn't care for the poor and, was a thief, (without giving evidence I might add). Jesus didn't seem to agree when he gave his answer to Judas, Jesus seemed to think he was concerned with the poor. I don't recall Jesus ever calling Judas a thief. (If you do point me to it) I sure could be wrong.
Kinney, If Judas had a choice to participate in what God had set into action, Did Jesus also have a choice to fill his role in the plan? Was Jesus sent, or was he asked if he wanted to go? If you read the last words before the sacrifice, you might find Jesus had no choice. God's will, and I doubt God left his decision up to Judas, if he didn't give Jesus a choice.
Anytime we go past what the Bible says we have ventured from "scriptural" to "specualtion".
Jesus, being God in flesh, knew the heart of all men. His perfect knowing in no way violated anyone's willing choice.
Judas could have trusted Christ, could have sincerely repented, but chose not to. And, of course God knew ahead of time he would not.
Victim? Hardly. Judas was a selfish man with no loyalty who made the choice to take the "broad road".
His peace,
Royce Olge
Hey Kinney! Thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting-it is always great to hear from you!!
Interesting thoughts about Judas-sometimes it seems it takes more effort to explain away the truth that stare it right in the face-even when that can be difficult.
Thank you for sharing! Blessings~
I think we should give Judas a break. Doesn't the word of God tells that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." How many times do we fall short every day? Judas just made a mistake and had deadly consequences. Maybe in the text God demonstrates through Judas how the consequences of betraying Jesus, cheaping the relationship, leads to "spiritual" death which is much worse. Preacherman what a great topic before this Palm Sunday. I might use this illustration or discussion in my sermon if that is okay with you.
Bob Martin
I think Judas betrayed Jesus in the most passionate way. A kiss. I think that within itself is evil. He had a choice like we all do. Satan temps us, he tempted Judas and Judas gave into it. He knew the wrong once he returned the money. It was blood money. Blood money of the promised Messiah. The only way I see Judas could have anti semetic our cause anti semetic feeling among the Jews is that Judas was a Jew. In the world we live in the worst thing you can say is the truth. The Jews, Teachers of the Law, Pharasee's, and Judas crucified their promise. Interesting and thought provoking post as always Preacherman. Thanks.
Great discussion and points that everyone is making. I appreciate everyone's thoughts. Keep it up!!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
This comment has been removed by the author.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Perhaps this scripture is of value in this discussion:
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. (2 Cor. 7:10)
One illustration (by Phil Johnson) about God's hardening of hearts "is like the agency of the sun in hardening clay. The sun is in no way tainted or influenced by its contact with the clay; but the clay is profoundly affected by the sun's rays. Furthermore, the property that gives clay its hardness is a property that belongs to the clay, not the sun. Want proof? Put a block of ice in the sun and see what happens to that. It will melt rather than harden. So the property that leads to the hardening of clay is something in the clay. Left to itself the clay will harden with or without exposure to the sun's bright light. The sun merely accelerates the natural process." So, that is the precise effect God has on people. Those who have sinful, unrepentant hearts will be hardened because of God's influence, not because God forces one to be hardened, but because that is how their sinful nature responds.
And I was just thinking (ha) ... what good is it to ask what people think on Biblical matters? Shouldn't a more relevant question be, "What does the Bible say regarding this?"
I know the Holy Spirit's words aren't written in red, but they ARE powerful and true! There was a time when people in the church lamented that the Holy Spirit was always being left out of the equation. Have we come a full circle?
One Wesleyan writer predicted back in 1993 that this was going to happen:
"The Sunday school will get back to the Bible as its authority, and the 'let's share opinions and pool our ignorance' classes will gradually disappear."
Every generation has the same problems, it is just that no one looks to see what happened in the past. "There is nothing new under the sun."
Kathy,
I appreciate your thoughts on the subject and adding to the discussion.
I'm extremely skeptical of any modern day attempts to rewrite history from 2000 years ago... as though someone today knows more about it than the people who were there. I'll take the inspired eyewitness accounts at face value.
I don't believe the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church will ever change their basic belief on Judas, and undermine Jesus, as this report says. If so, then it is no longer the Roman Catholic Church, I must say.
I am not surprised at all that there may be Roman Catholic scholars out there who want to do this. But to have the Church's seal on it, that won't happen, I'm sure.
And I'm not a Roman Catholic.
First of all, it is absurd for someone to blame Jesus for Judas's actions.
Also, it is my belief that we are all ultimately responsible for our actions, despite supernatural influences.
Let's say Judas was possessed by Satan or a demon. It is my personal belief, it's not gospel or anything, but that any supernatural possession or oppression begins by an invitation. In other words, I don't think someone just all of a sudden gets possessed by a demon, but it happens when someone could slowly and subtly invite something evil in.
But that aside, even as Judas was fulfilling part of God's plan, God never gives anyone a pass. Jesus even said, I don't remember where, "offenses must come, but woe to whoever brings the offense". Besides, look at Pharoah in Exodus. God hardened his heart, but if you notice, the Bible only mentions so during the latter plagues, which I think implies Pharoah did his own hardening first.
That being said, it is not just because of Judas or the Jews of the time or the Romans that Jesus hung on the cross, it was because of us.
Morning
Morning Preacherman,
hope you and yours have a good weekend!
I hate it when people sound too smart for their own good, so forgive me if this is making sound like too much of a "Smarty".
It all goes back to the Greek definition of Judas' repentance.
Matt. 27:3 states that Judas "repented himself", but the Greek word is metamelomai which means "to feel remorse".
Metanoeo is the definition of repentence that the Christian church believes and teaches (We still believe & teach repentence, right? Lol!) which means "to have another mind".
No answers from me, Kinney. I just don't know. But I find Judas' character fascinating - and was glad to write and read a dramatic script about him that I've since posted as The Judas Monologue some time back.
I think I find Judas intriguing because of how easy it is to get caught up in thinking that you're right - even to the point of betraying and hurting someone who loves you.
Even Someone who loves you to death and beyond.
This is a really interesting topic! This is not the first time this question has been put out there in a public arena. In Jesus Christ, Superstar, which was popular when I was a college student, Judas says something like
"I did only what you wanted me to do."...or some sort of thing. I thought it was complete blasphemy and wouldn't go see the movie, although I listened to the "album".
BlamingGod...or Jesus...for our sins is as old as Adam in the garden blaming God for giving him the woman who gave him the forbidden fruit. I don't know how many times in my adult life I have heard people say, "How can I worship a God who would let innocent children die?" or "fill in your own blank"....maybe they are being honest, but I think it's another way of blaming God for our own faithlessness. But the Bible says that even when we are faithless, He is faithful. Judas or the religeous scholars can blame Jesus for Judas' greed and traitorious kiss if they want to. That doesn't change who God is. He tempts no man and He desires that all be saved. I think He just turned around what Judas already had in his heart to do and made it into the sacrifice that saved the world from sin....even Judas had he asked for forgiveness.
I appreciate everyone adding to this interesting discussion. I believe that gives each one of us a choice. A choice to love and serve Him or not. Free will. I believe that God wants more than anything to have a relationship with us. Jesus Christ in his death, barrial and resurrection brings us back into that intended relationship with Him. I believe that you and I are apart of God's wonderful plan. Each one of us are responsible for our own actions. I wonder as I read through the gospels if Judas was really a "disciple". A follower of Jesus Christ. I believe he is love for money had a grip on his life and effected his "walk" with Christ. I believe Judas' character revealed in the gospels show us that He did have a choice. Jesus being devine knew what was going to happen. He knew that Peter was going to deny Him. He also knew the heart of Judas and what was going to happen. He knew that "Satan" had a grip in his life. He knew that money would lead to denial. Did he stop Judas' choice? No. Does he stop ours? No. We all have a choice. Will we follow Jesus or not? We cannot remain neutral. We must decide what we will do with Christ. How will we play a role in the plans of God?
Again, thank you all for your comments and adding to this discussion.
interesting discussion.
Thanks Darin.
I hope you and everyone who visits has a Happy Easter.
it is easy to wonder about Judas. i think that it is another mystery that people want to know the answer to. but, we do not have the answer...only the questions. then we can look at ourselves and feel we need the answers...and in the end know that the answer is faith.
Thank you Nancy for your comments and adding to this discussion. I appreciate your input on this topic. I hope you have a great Easter! :-)
I believe Judas had a choice. No one can change His character. He was greedy and let it get the best of Him. Nothing we can do when we die can change who we were. We need to think about our Character. Are we living for Jesus? I don't want to betray Jesus with the way I live. I want to live for Him so that when I die they can say...I knew Jesus.
Thank you preacherman for this great topic. I have thought about Judas a lot lately.
Justin
Thanks Bill.
I hope you have a happy Easter!
A most blessed Easter to you and yours, Kinney! The Lord is risen indeed!!!
Thanks Ted.
What wonderful new: "He is not here, He has Risen!" I hope you and everyone has a wonderful Easter.
Happy Easter preacherman! He is risen indeed!
lancel, canada goose, timberland boots, pandora charms, thomas sabo, moncler outlet, hollister, canada goose, moncler, hollister clothing store, converse, ray ban, louis vuitton, rolex watches, iphone 6 cases, oakley, juicy couture outlet, vans, karen millen, pandora jewelry, ugg, moncler, air max, supra shoes, swarovski crystal, swarovski, pandora charms, moncler, moncler, converse shoes, gucci, ugg, louboutin, montre homme, air max, hollister, coach outlet store online, links of london, baseball bats, juicy couture outlet, ralph lauren, parajumpers, moncler, toms shoes, wedding dresses, moncler
the north face
winter coats
thomas sabo uk
asics
karen millen dresses
north face jackets
louis vuitton outlet
ugg boots
lululemon outlet
pandora jewelry
ralph lauren shirts
beats headphones
oakley outlet
tiffany outlet
ralph lauren outlet
winter jackets
north face jackets
michael kors outlet
ray ban sunglasses
canada goose jackets
ugg outlet
nike air force 1
replica watches
cheap mlb jerseys
fitflop clearance
longchamp outlet
michael kors factory outlet
barbour coats
swarovski crystal
kobe shoes
cheng1125
151202meiqing
michaek kors handbags
nike trainers
chanel bags
north face jackets
pandora jewelry
michael kors outlet clearance
louis vuitton bags
lebron james shoes
ralph lauren outlet
nike huarache
jordan 11
cheap jordans
lebron james shoes 2015
cheap uggs
ugg boots
canada goose
ugg australia
michael kors outlet
ugg slippers
replica watches
uggs for sale
ugg boots for men
toms shoes
coach outlet online
cheap oakley sunglasses
louis vuitton outlet
michael kors outlet online
uggs australia
ugg boots
oakley sunglasses
michael kors outlet
ray ban sunglasses
uggs on sale
canada goose outlet
christian louboutin
uggs outlet
nike air max
coach factory outlet
ed hardy clothing
cheap jordans
armani exchange
nba jerseys
mlb jerseys
ed hardy
mbt shoes outlet
kate spade sale
nhl jerseys
eagles jerseys
ugg outlet
michael kors outlet
2017.7.20
true religion outlet
ferragamo outlet
ugg outlet
cheap nfl jerseys
coach factory outlet
atlanta falcons jerseys
adidas nmd
ralph lauren uk
mont blanc outlet
adidas nmd
2017.8.1
qzz0515
longchamp handbags
kate spade outlet
fitflops
michael kors outlet
nike air max
cheap snapbacks
longchamp pliage
canada goose outlet
hermes belt
jordan shoes
www0727
ray ban sunglasses
fitflops
ugg outlets
bcbg dresses
soccer jerseys
michael kors outlet
futbol baratas
christian louboutin outlet
jordan shoes
coach outlet online
0820jejeSi bouillie dans air jordan 1 royal l'huile, ils dégagent un baume qui est utilisé par les indigènes pour soulager Adidas Zx Flux Pour Femme Bleu les plaintes des yeux. Ils ont actuellement Bumblebee de Transformers, Spongebob asics gel kinsei 4 Chaussures Square Pants, Garbage Monster de Sesame Street, Hello Kitty avec beaucoup Air Jordan 9 Homme plus. Un autre besoin de voir l'attraction touristique peut être liberty x nike femme roshe run linen l'Arc de Triomphe avec plus de 1,4 million de visiteurs chaque asics cumulus femme pas cher année civile.
www11.15
coach outlet online
basketballl shoes
canada goose clothing
kate spade handbags
true religion
ray ban sunglasses
ralph lauren polo
nike blazers
pandora charms
nike shoes
Post a Comment
<< Home