The Desire of Ages--76--Judas

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!

Happy Sabbath!

Do you fully agree with what Jesus says? His word is life, and it is the definition of truth and eternal reality. But in the case of Judas we see a man who did not fully agree with Jesus--and that led to a very sad end. "For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:20-23).

      "When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship, Judas was displeased. He thought that a mistake had been made. If such men as this ruler could be connected with the believers, they would help sustain Christ's cause. If Judas were only received as a counselor, he thought, he could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church. His principles and methods would differ somewhat from Christ's, but in these things he thought himself wiser than Christ." {The Desire of Ages, page 719, paragraph 3} 
     "In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 1} 

To disagree with Jesus is to disagree with Life--and that leads to death. When we align our will with Christ in full surrender, we get to experience the true joy of conversion and have God's word to guide us heavenward! Then the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be revealed in the life that agrees with God. Oh, let us follow the path of life, serving God with converted heart, and resist the lies and temptations of Satan, the world, and our fallen nature! We need Jesus continually!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers!  The ruin and sin of a nation was due to their religious leaders. We are to know what  is being taught in His church. We are united in understanding the  danger. False teachers led Israel to deny Jesus as the Son of God. Satan used them to pervert the gospel message. So it is today. The predominate teaching in Christian churches is man is saved in sin. If we sin we shall surely not die is being taught by religious leaders throughout Christendom.

   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......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.

How many times have heard from the pulpit this warning from the Apostle Paul? "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man." Gal. 1:6-11. 

God will have a pure and holy ministry when persecution comes upon His church.

[Beacon]

'Judas 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."

"How many times have heard from the pulpit this warning from the Apostle Paul? "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."

"As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man." Gal. 1:6-11."

I pray that the same as Paul may be said of us! . Let "US"  be willing to surrender "ALL" to Jesus.! 

=====================

1
Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne,
From death into life He went for His own;
All power in earth, all power above,
Is given to Him for the flock of His love.
 
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe;
Only believe, only believe;
  All things are possible, only believe.
2
Fear not, little flock, He goeth ahead,
Your Shepherd selecteth the path you must tread;
The waters of Marah He’ll sweeten for thee,
He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.
3
Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot,
He enters all rooms, “the doors being shut”
He never forsakes, He never is gone,
So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Lyrics:Paul Rader
Music:Paul Rader

[JimB]

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.

Sadly this reminds me of things in our church in our day, now!.  We have scholars and theologians and even some pastors who use the same arguments of the world and other faiths who criticize us and our beliefs. They lead us down rabbit holes and directions that should have never been and thus sidetrack the members and their minds down tracks of thoughts that would have been better left untraveled. However, the good Lord allows this, so it will drive us to study for ourselves to find the truth and thus some are cemented into truth and others sifted out.

 John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Jim! That is so true, Brother Jim; hence, we need to test all that we believe by the Bible.

Imagine for a moment that you are heading in the "right" direction, following Jesus, but not allowing the changes in your character that Christ wants to bring about. In a sense, that describes Judas for the period of time that he was following Christ. It looked like he was following Christ, but he was not converted, not fully surrendered, and not experiencing the full manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing. Let us learn from the lesson and choose to be fully surrendered to Christ. Remember--Jesus' way is the way of life; our way without surrendering to Christ is the way of death.

"Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ. The Saviour's teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour's mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ's power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse." {The Desire of Ages, page 716, paragraph 3}

We can look to Christ and look to Him in full surrender, moved by His unselfish love. The history of Judas is a warning in the Bible. We can choose to be true disciples and surrender to the divine molding in our characters, like John the evangelist did.

[Philip T]

    But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work.


     The lesson here is startling, even though Jeus would have all be saved, and all of the personal attention Jesus showed Judas in an effort to save him from this great sin of betrayal. Judas refused the unction of the Holy Spirit and the one-on-one attention of Jesus and rejected His love. Even after Jesus washed his feet. He decided to walk away from Jesus and out of the door rather than into the door to Jesus. We should look at Judas life and realize ultimately it is our decision if we are saved or lost, we make that decision. May we pray and study God's word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, listening to His still small voice.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my brothers!  The story of Judas is sad and instructive. Many fool themselves having been deceived as to what it means to be a converted Christian. We see a revelation of how Satan has worked to deceive the vast multitude.

     ....he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel.....Judas saw that his entreaties were in vain, and he rushed from the hall exclaiming, It is too late! It is too late! He felt that he could not live to see Jesus crucified, and in despair went out and hanged himself.   

There is an important difference between those who sorrow over having crucified Christ because they love Him supremely, and those who are sorry they crucified Christ because of the consequences for themselves. God looks upon the heart. If pride remains in the heart, then self has not died. Many think pride is excused if one does not know it remains alive in the heart. This is a fatal deception being taught in His church today.

[Beacon]

"Judas loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus."

"The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve."

"He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist."

He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils." "But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ." "

"He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money."

"While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, He did not bring himself under the divine molding."

"He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse."

As 'WE' reflect on the life of Judas do "WE" see any of the same character in our own lives??. Lets make sure that we are "fully " surrendered!!


======================

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864)

   

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear Brother Beacon!  We are in great danger if we do not continually watch and pray. Many are called but few choose to maintain their effort to watch and pray. As we study the life of Judas, we need to remember Jesus tried to discourage him from becoming one of the disciples. We need to remember why Jesus allowed him to join with Him.

     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.
     When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship, Judas was displeased. He thought that a mistake had been made. If such men as this ruler could be connected with the believers, they would help sustain Christ's cause. If Judas were only received as a counselor, he thought, he could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church. His principles and methods would differ somewhat from Christ's, but in these things he thought himself wiser than Christ.   
     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.

There are Judas' in our day. They too act as if they are serving God, but do much damage by leading others in the wrong direction. We ought to learn from what we just read and not put those who are not converted in leadership.  Yes, we can tell who loves God and who do not. By their fruit we shall know. It is impossible to get good fruit from a bad tree. All of the fruits are in the life of a truly converted Christian not one is missing. "When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." Desire of Ages, pg 676.

[Dorine]

As the trial drew to a close, Judas could endure the torture of his guilty conscience no longer. Suddenly a hoarse voice rang through the hall, sending a thrill of terror to all hearts: He is innocent; spare Him, O Caiaphas!

The hardest thing in life is to crucify self. Judas thought Jesus needed his help in establishing the kingdom of God as Judas imagined it to be. His love for Jesus was selfish and arrogant and his pride led him to sell Jesus. He thought this would force Him to rescue the Jewish nation from the Romans and set up Christ's kingdom on earth. These stories have been written for our example that we may realize the folly of putting self first.

[JimB]

Brother Richard, I had not really before thought much about the fact that there might be Judas's in our day but it only makes sense. Given time I suppose it will be revealed who they are, like what happened to Judas.

His principles and methods would differ somewhat from Christ's, but in these things he thought himself wiser than Christ.

I've read this chapter many times but had not really noticed this before. Judas thought he was wiser than Christ. Arrogant it is, but I'm thinking that sometimes the church has been like this with their multiple programs and methods that go outside of Christ's methods. May the Holy Spirit keep us humble and learning.

[Richard Myers]

Here is just one example among many:  Many join the church without first becoming united to Christ. In this Satan triumphs. Such converts are his most efficient agents. They serve as decoys to other souls. They are false lights, luring the unwary to perdition. It is in vain that men seek to make the Christian’s path broad and pleasant for worldlings. God has not smoothed or widened the rugged, narrow way. If we would enter into life, we must follow the same path which Jesus and His disciples trod,—the path of humility, self-denial, and sacrifice." Vol 5, Testimonies For The Church pg172. Judas was never converted even though Christ "endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse." DA 716.   

[Beacon]

"Judas led 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."
 
"When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship, Judas was displeased. He thought that a mistake had been made."

"If such men as this ruler could be connected with the believers, they would help sustain Christ's cause. If Judas were only received as a counselor, he thought, he could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church. His principles and methods would differ somewhat from Christ's, but in these things he thought himself wiser than Christ."   
     
"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."

What kind of influence do "WE" present to others?? -- In the Home --In the church and at work?

========================

1
Earthly pleasures vainly call me,
  I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me,
  I would be like Jesus.
 
Be like Jesus, this my song,
  In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
    I would be like Jesus.
2
He has broken every fetter,
  I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
  I would be like Jesus.
3
All the way from earth to glory,
  I would be like Jesus;
Telling o’er and o’er the story,
  I would be like Jesus.

Lyrics:James Rowe (1866-1933)
Music:Bentley DeForest Ackley (1872-1958)

[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.

It's like a child that is made to say I'm sorry to someone they have hurt but the "sorry" is only words and not from the heart. Or a child who has done wrong and realizing the consequences coming, says with tears, I'm sorry. What is the motive? Fear of the consequences. If not taught the difference between selfish and genuine sorrow they grow into adults treating God the same way. There's another statement I've heard many times. "Do it then ask for  forgiveness if caught" How patient and longsuffering our Saviour is. But how unwise it is to take advantage of His mercy. Without true repentance the ultimate end will be eternal death. The story of Judas is so sad. God gave him wonderful talents that if used to glorify Him would have been a powerful influence for Him.

[Richard Myers]

In Judas we see the working of Satan. How clever is he.

     But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work.
     Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified, the event must come to pass. His own act in betraying the Saviour would not change the result. If Jesus was not to die, it would only force Him to deliver Himself. At all events, Judas would gain something by his treachery. He counted that he had made a sharp bargain in betraying his Lord. 

[Richard Myers]

"I have sinned," again cried Judas, "in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." But the high priest, regaining his self-possession, answered with scorn, "What is that to us? see thou to that." Matthew 27:4. The priests had been willing to make Judas their tool; but they despised his baseness. When he turned to them with confession, they spurned him.
     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.

Judas repented, but it was a repentance that needed to be repented of. His character was such that he could not repent. He loved the world and himself more than he could love God. Each day we are making habits of obedience or disobedience. We decide or eternal future. Let us give honor and glory to our Lord and Savior. He is worthy!

[Dorine]

  Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would permit Himself to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach Him a lesson. He intended to play a part that would make the Saviour careful thenceforth to treat him with due respect. But Judas knew not that he was giving Christ up to death. How often, as the Saviour taught in parables, the scribes and Pharisees had been carried away with His striking illustrations! How often they had pronounced judgment against themselves! Often when the truth was brought home to their hearts, they had been filled with rage, and had taken up stones to cast at Him; but again and again He had made His escape. Since He had escaped so many snares, thought Judas, He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken.

As I read again the story of Judas my thoughts ran along the lines of how dangerous presumption is. There is a very fine line between it and faith. Judas thought his motives correct in thinking Jesus needed his help. Sometimes we are tempted to run ahead of Jesus in hasty decisions we think are motivated by good intentions. So many lessons Christ has left for us through inspiration to keep us from falling into this trap. His love for us gives us warnings along with encouragement. May we always be humble and teachable not running ahead or lagging behind Him.

[Dorine]

Yet Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Saviour's lessons. He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon's house. When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will.

We read the failings of men long ago and are tempted to think that we would never do as they did. How careful we should be to examine our own hearts to see if our motives are pure or are purely selfish. Only by abiding in Christ moment by moment can we be certain that all is right between us and God.