ACE #51: Scandal Time - The Judas in YOUR Camp

Everybody has a Judas in his/her camp.  Look at Fitz, he has many - Cyrus, Sally, Jake, and even his own wife – Mellie.  That’s a ridiculous amount of people who he doesn’t trust, can’t trust, won’t trust, and actually shouldn’t trust.  Sometimes Fitz acts calmly; other times, he completely turns it out when they each betray him.

In thinking about the Last Supper, I imagine that Jesus could have completely caused a huge, perhaps explosive, scene.  After all, He had traveled with His disciples for a number of years by this time.  He knew these men weren’t perfect, but to go as far as betraying Him for as little as 30 coins…come on.  Jesus’ response to Judas was pretty kind though.  He didn’t really trip on him.

In John 13:26-30, Jesus dismissed Judas from his presence by telling him to “go quickly and to do what you have to do”.  He gave Him permission even.  I firmly believe He did so because the Word says that Satan had taken control of Judas.  That means that Jesus didn’t just dismiss Judas so that he could betray him, but also so that his other disciples wouldn’t get entrapped by Satan and would, therefore, not get caught up in sin as well.  We constantly act surprised when people betray us.  Betrayal is biblical! 

 

I don’t believe in “throwing people away”, but I certainly believe in dismissing them. Sometimes you have to in order to protect your inner circle (and maybe your ministry). Here’s the kicker - before Judas left, he still took the bread from Jesus.  Such is life.  People will betray you, use you, talk about you, and still take from you with no problem at all.  The challenge - to still function in love after a heartbreaking betrayal.  Jesus didn’t talk about Judas after he left the building…He just let him go.  Learn to spiritually discern the “Judas” in your camp.  However, be sure not to be the Judas in someone else’s camp. 

 

Study Link:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013:%2018-28&version=NIV

 

 

 

"The White House Crew"

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