The life of Judas Iscariot can be portrayed as one of the most colossal tragedies in human history. The very mention of his name echoes pain, betrayal, and failure. But the tragedy of his life is not just what he done, but WHAT HE DIDN’T DO! Judas Iscariot was hand picked by Jesus himself and gave him the invitation to follow him. He spent 3 years walking beside of Jesus, breaking bread with him, and listening to his life changing messages on a regular basis. Yet, Judas never allowed the words of Jesus to saturate his heart. Instead, over those 3 years his heart grew hard and bitterness set in. Like the other 11 disciples, Judas had the opportunity to truly become sold out to Christ, these disciples are examples of ordinary people who became extraordinary because their lives was changed by the presence of Jesus Christ. The same cannot be said about Judas however, John MacArthur said “he stands as a warning about the evil potential of spiritual carelessness, squandered opportunity, sinful lusts, and hardness of the heart.” This is a vexing statement about a disciple who graced the very presence of Jesus, but its true in all manner. Oh what a tragedy to listen to the very words of Jesus, and simply lay them down to the side. His life parallels many today. 

Judas began just like the others, but he never laid hold to the truth, and he never allowed his life to be transformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ. Judas exemplifies people who can walk in and out of church on a regular basis and be in the very presence of God almighty where lives are transformed, chains are loosed, and yokes are destroyed; yet they can walk right out unchanged. They can wear the badge of “I’m a Christian,” yet their lives bare no fruit. This is truly an epic tragedy of mankind. Like Judas, we give our life to God, but we don’t give our heart to him. When we accept Christ into our life, he will break us and mold us into the person he wants us to be.

The very words of God will do 2 things to a person: it will pierce the heart and transform us into his likeness, or it will be like the sun that beams down on the desert plains, it will dry up and harden like a rock. The words of Jesus pricked the hearts of Peter, James, and John; but it hardened the heart of Judas Iscariot.

As much as we have learned from Peter, James, and John, we can take the life of Judas Iscariot and learn a valuable lesson as well. Don’t spend your entire life going through the motions and looking like you’re a devout saint of God all while you are dying inside. Our flesh will return to the dust, but our soul will live for eternity. I pray we always allow the words of God to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives. Don’t squander the opportunity to be changed by the power of God like Judas, but allow it to transform you into a Rock like Peter!

GOD BLESS, JDS