I Am Judas

There are some great biblical characters I like to identify with and study from time to time.

Jonathan for instance, is a great model of faith and friendship. David, for his failures, yet his heart after God. Joseph, for his endless patience and trust even when his path led through the depths of jail. There is no shortage of heroes in the Bible.

But what about the villains?

Clearly, Satan must be number one villain. Certainly Pharaoh and his enslavement of the Israelites. Baal and the pagan worshipers that prostituted themselves as his cloven feet. There are people that sacrificed their children to different Gods, and our list of enemies in the Bible can grow long. But one that often sticks out is Judas (not Lady Gaga's mate, though).

Luke 22:4-6

And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

Judas betrayed Christ with a kiss. Judas turned Jesus over to his death. Judas sold the Saviour of the world for only 30 pieces of silver. And here in my safe, comfortable little life it's easy to point the finger at Judas, at his depravity. To judge his willingness to sell Jesus for such a small sum.

And it was small, or at least that is what scholars argue. There is debate, but most authors place the value of those 30 pieces of silver at around $15,000. The value doesn't really matter though, because if I'm honest, I've sold Jesus for so much less. And like Judas, I often wait for the opportunity when no crowd is present.

When I choose to watch a movie with dodgy stuff, I am selling Jesus. When I insult someone or get involved in gossip that wounds others, I am selling Jesus. When I lie or exaggerate, I am selling Jesus. When I choose anger instead of forgiveness, worry instead of worship, my own way instead of prayer, I am selling Jesus short.

At the end of the day, I have sold my Saviour for much less than $15,000. I am Judas. I am the one desperate for forgiveness. I am the one tempted. I am the one in need of grace.