Matthew 26:14-25 – Judas
Judas Iscariot had the highest possible religious privileges. He was a chosen apostle, and companion of Christ. He was an eye-witness of our Lord’s miracles, and a hearer of His sermons. He saw what Abraham and Moses never saw, and heard what David and Isaiah never heard. He lived in the society of the eleven apostles. He was a fellow-labourer with Peter, James, and John. But for all this his heart was never changed.
Judas Iscariot made a reputable profession of faith. There was nothing but what was right, and proper, and becoming in his outward conduct. Like the other apostles, he appeared to believe and to give up all for Christ’s sake. Like them he was sent forth to preach and work miracles. No one of the eleven appears to have suspected him of hypocrisy. When our Lord said, “One of you shall betray me,” no one said, “Is it Judas?” Yet all this time his heart was never changed.
The love of money is one of the greatest snares to a man’s soul. We cannot conceive a clearer proof of this, than the case of Judas. That wretched question, “What will you give me?” reveals the secret sin which was his ruin. He had given up much for Christ’s sake, but he had not given up his covetousness.
Let us all be on our guard against the love of money. The world is full of it in our days. We may love money without having it, just as we may have money without loving it. It is an evil that works very deceitfully. It carries us captives before we are aware of our chains. We ought frequently to remember the solemn words, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Our constant aim should be to be rich in grace.
Questions
- Was it obvious that Judas was a traitor?
- What sin was Judas still clinging to?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters