When You See Your Judas

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When did Jesus know that Judas was going to betray Him?  We don't know.  The Bible doesn't tell us.

But we do know that by the last supper, Jesus knows.

So what did Jesus do?  Nothing.  Well, it probably isn't the nothing that you're thinking of.

Jesus had already invested 3 1/2 years of His life and love into Him.
Jesus had already taught Him the promises and truths of God.
Judas has seen the miracles, the healings and the beautiful works of God.
Judas had been a recipient of Jesus' grace, power, and mercy.

Still, Judas betrayed Him.

Judas already had everything he needed to stand against the temptation.  But his selfishness won the day.  If Judas wasn't going to stop now, anything that Jesus said or did probably wasn't going to change anything.

BUT!

Jesus knew that He was coming back from the dead.
Jesus knew that Judas' betrayal wasn't going to kill His ministry.
Jesus knew that He was going to die on the cross for Judas' sins.
Jesus knew . . .

If you think that you have a Judas in your midst ask yourself - what do you know?

Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Jesus said because He was living it.  His plan was to be wise and innocent.

Wise - What do snakes do?  Avoid danger at all costs.  I don't think that there is another animal that can get out of trouble faster than a snake.

Innocent - What do doves do?  They never start trouble.  You never see a dove trying to start a fight.

When Jesus taught in Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  He was teaching us to ask God to help us stay as far away from temptation and evil as possible.  Or be wise as a snake and harmless as a dove.

Don't get involved in your Judas' way of thinking.  Don't stoop to their standards.  Don't become a selfish, manipulating, thief.  Ask for the Holy Spirit's help to find a way through.

PRAY:  Jesus, I want to be wise as a snake and harmless as a dove today.  AMEN

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