The Desire of Ages--76--Judas

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon! We are indeed evil by nature and if we have not seen this, then we have not really seen the character of Christ who is a perfect standard by which we may judge ourselves.

This chapter on Judas teaches much. First we ought to examine ourselves and make sure we understand how much we need to cling to Christ. Then look at what laying hands suddenly on one who is not converted can do. Why do we place in the pulpit those who are not ready to teach? It is not good for anyone to be placed in leadership until it is seen that they love the Lord our God with the whole heart. What can happen?

     Notwithstanding the Saviour's own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude. He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter.
     Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.
     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard for how God can truly convert us as we surrender all to Jesus!

What is repentance? It is the power of God to confess sin from a heart made truly sorry for the sin itself accompanied by a wilingness to renounce that sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. This gift of repentance Jesus offers us: "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him" (Acts 5:31-32).

In contrast to the true repentance the Bible reveals, the experience of Judas reveals a false repentance of sorrow for the consequences of sin, but not true sorrow for the sin itself and a true turning away from it in heart. After betraying Jesus, Judas had this experience:

"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world." {The Desire of Ages, page 722, paragraph 2}

May we turn to Jesus and receive the GENUINE gift of repentance so our characters can be truly converted by God's grace. Christ offers us a new heart and a new mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as He leads us to affectionately obey God's law of love! May this be your experince today, guading against the false repentance seen in Judas' life.

[Beacon]

"All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel...Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness."

He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting.

These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them.

Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious.

And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track.

Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed.

His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered.

The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

This very sad commentary should make us very aware of our Great Need to be FULLY SURRENDERED  TO JESUS!  Are "YOU" ---"AM I " willing to be emptied of Self and Filled with the HOLY SPIRIT?


All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
    I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Happy Sabbath!! Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon!

Do we agree with all that Jesus has said? If we do not, we are on the track of the character experience of Judas, who betrayed Christ. May we realize that the Bible is the insirpred word of God and that the counsel God has given in the spirit of prophecy is "the testimony of Jesus" (Revelation 12:17)! As we accept the lessons Christ has for us, we can be prevented from the path of destruction Judas chose for himself. Let us be zealous and repent by keeping our eyes on Jesus and following all the light He has for us!

"In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. 'Have not I chosen you twelve,' He said, 'and one of you is a devil?' John 6:70." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 1}

Christ offers us union and communion with Himself in true conversion whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing as we affectionately obey God's Ten Commandments--the definition of life's reality and freedom in healthy relationships! May you walk in God's ways and not go in the path that Judas chose, but rather, the path like John the beloved chose in coming into likeness to Christ!

[Dorine]

"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world."

This is always such a sad chapter to read. What potential for good was in Judas if only he had not harboured such selfish desires. So many lessons for those who claim to love and serve Jesus. It just goes to show that things are not always as they seem. Judas was loved, respected and trusted yet look where he ended up. The only safety from such a condition is the humble surrender to Jesus believing and doing all that he says. What is the proof of such a connection? All the fruits of the Spirit will be manifested in the life.

[Richard Myers]

How does Satan accomplish his work. He is  often so very successful. We do not talk about him often, we need to uplift Jesus. But, here we are given a glimpse of his method of operation. We need to pay particular attention to how he uses people, that we be not a tool in his hand.

     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

Yes, Satan was using Judas to lead the disciples away from Jesus.
   
     In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples.

Did we not see the same tactic being used by Satan against Job?   His three friends, and Job's wife were tools in Satan's hand to discourage Job. How very clever is the evil one. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4.