- Carl Anderson
Judas. There is something about Judas. Something that I've never been able to get over about his life, and something that I've never seen captured quite right in any sermon, book, film, or documentary. Something I've never been able to capture, even in my own thoughts.
I've often wished that we had more insight into Judas' mind - so we could know what he was thinking as he saw Jesus minister, heal, and teach. Where were His loyalties? What were his goals? What did he think Jesus was here to do, and when did he think it was going to be accomplished?
What made him a thief?
What made him a traitor?
More importantly, what made him a follower of Jesus?
I can't claim to answer any of these questions, and we'll likely never know any of his motivations while on this earth, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about it, and often feeling as if Judas is both misunderstood and tossed aside by most people today.
Many may think I sympathize with Judas, but I don't believe that's the case.
More specifically, I think I identify with him.
What would I do, in the situations he was put in? How would I feel, having all of my religious beliefs turned upside down, all of my hopes and aspirations for this world turned inside out, all of my ideals and loves and hobbies being thrown on the ground in the favor of following a Messiah who tells me the real reward comes only after death? To be told that fighting for freedom is not a real solution, and reigning over a kingdom not permanent enough to matter?
It had to be hard.
It had to be, at times, unbearable.
None of this makes Judas any better for what he did, and it certainly doesn't make Christ any less perfect, but it does shine some light on who we all are in our imperfect humanity. Often our qualities aren't flattering - we're completely misunderstood by everyone including ourselves, incredibly confused and purposeless, and driven by greed and self-serving motivations, even when trying to do good.
We need to turn to Christ, and submit all things to Him. We can never get enough, not even when He's standing right in front of us and speaking.
Judas makes that clear.
I posted the picture above, from - of all movies - Jesus Christ Superstar, for a reason. Judas is portrayed in many different movies, and each take on him is unique. In some films he is a confused and bitter disciple. In others, like The Last Temptation, he is a loyal but bloodthirsty friend.
In Jesus Christ Superstar, however, he is simply a misguided man of God, trying to do the best he can. Sometimes, he thinks his plans are better than Jesus'. Sometimes, he lets that thinking get in the way.
Sometimes, I do the same.
All right, all right.
A lot can be learned from Judas. It doesn't mean I like what he did.
But the moment I start thinking I'm better than him.. Well, that puts me in a very similar boat.
I've actually been thinking lately that I'm grateful I wasn't alive when Jesus was on earth. I probably would've been a skeptic. I would've thought he was a lunatic.
Truth is, I have it a lot easier than Judas did. And God only knows what I would've done in his position.
Thanks for always being so ready and willing to challenge our misconceptions :)
my thoughts on Judas:
the part that i really connect with about Judas is how sorry he was. He betrayed Jesus for money, but then threw it all back, and when he ended his life i really think he was repenting. i'm in no way saying suicide is ok, but in his case i really think this was the only expression of repentance he could show.
and i want to think that God forgave him. Yes, he betrayed Jesus and caused him to be crucified, but so did we and God has forgiven us.
That's awesome to think about, and I can say that I have never taken the time to truly ponder the life/times of Judas.
Maybe Judas is a testament to how screwy we all are when it comes to loyalty.
Seriously, what does it take for someone to drop all that they are about and follow Christ legitimately?
First hand experiences?
A conversation?
GOLD DUST?!?!
Ha, really, when you think about it maybe we all are just as bad as Judas. He may have been a very disjointed individual, in terms of loyalty, but deep down inside maybe Judas is the best representation the world has ever known of what it means for someone to truly follow Christ....but not get it right at the same time.
Cool post good sir.
~777
I do enjoy your insights on many things including Judas. Who are we to be the judge of another right? I have thought recently about something you posted... "driven by greed and self-serving motivations, even when trying to do good."
When we truly think about our lives and how many dicisions we make each day for the present and plans for the future. How many of these choices are made to satisfy our desires or to make things better for ourselves? Even choices that are made for good purposes seem to have our own motives written on them most of the time.
I've just been thinking about the need we have to change the conduct of our minds in this area. Our choices should be made on behalf of others and caring for others more often and then we can trust that we will be taken care of by our Father (speaking straight out of my life). May we truly live a selfless life.
(Bryon is Rob Bell because he always finishes things with "May we...")
Drew, you and I and I have been talking about Judas for years...
Good post, my son. May we (I'm being Bryon being Rob Bell) truly learn how to follow Him and lay it all down.
Seriously tho, wonderful post.
Hey... low blow Alexis and Robyn... low blow. May we all back off of making fun of others.
Alexis? Bryon?
Either way, weird!
:D
That last post was definitely Bryon.
We apologize for any confusion.
I too love that you were not going to let this topic of Judas ever slip from you. What a great post. Maybe we should look at our lives in a more humble sense and not quickly put ourselves above anyone.
Alexis was right in the sense that we probably in ways have it easier than Judas or at least a lot different. This reminds me of when Donald Miller was watching a TV documentary on the Congo and all the killings and evil that goes on there. His friend asked him that uncomfortably, and pride stabbing question "What makes you different than them? and Why do you think you couldn't do the things they are."
Truth is we aren't any different. Only in different circumstances. That evil is no worse than this evil, only different.
You challenge me man in many ways. Continue to seek what is placed on your heart from God!
This is just an awesome post overall.
Thank you.
If everything happens for a reason, perhaps this was allowed to happen so people in the then-coming generations could learn from example rather than from experience.
It is a lot easier to condemn things hindsight and when not in another person's shoes. Perhaps people will think more about the implications of their actions, and of their actions in general.