Mistakes were Made: The Journey of Judas Iscariot, Son of Simon

When we want to acknowledge poor handling of a situation, without truly admitting guilt or assigning blame, we might say... 'mistakes were made'.  Judas Iscariot journeyed on that path.  The man that all four Gospels distinguished as the "betrayer" or something equally loathsome, ultimately regretted what happened.  But Judas never embraced the contrition that leads to grace and mercy.  Let's follow the journey of Judas to see where 'mistakes were made' because it is an important cautionary tale!

Judas Iscariot, Picked by Jesus

Mark 3:13-19 details when Jesus called those he wanted and appointed the twelve.  The twelve would be Jesus' posse, empowered to preach the good news and drive out demons.  Matthew 10 records when Jesus sent his twelve out to heal disease and sickness, trusting in God for their provision.  From the beginning, these men would share Jesus' greatest sermons, awe-inspiring miracles, and most lopsided victories over the religious elites.  And Judas Iscariot, Son of Simon was right there!

Choices and Intentions

Our intentions rarely live up to God's expectations for the things he has entrusted to us.  Judas started well enough but perhaps became enamored with his own ambitions and pursuits.  One of Judas' failings was recorded in John 12.  Jesus, soon to be crucified, dined with his friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.  His disciples dined as well.  In gratitude, (and prophetically), Mary took expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet.  In an act of humility, she then wiped his feet with her hair.

Judas was indignant (sounding a little like the religious leaders).  "Why wasn't this perfume sold and given to the poor?"  The Bible explains that Judas cared little for the poor, but he skimmed money from the group's meager holdings while acting as the treasurer.  Upon being admonished by Jesus, could Judas have reflected on his motivations and made a change?

Thirty Pieces of Silver

All of the Gospels recorded the last supper.  At that supper, Jesus announced one of his twelve would betray him.  Would this have been a good time for Judas to repent?  Besides breaking bread with Jesus, Judas also experienced the humility and exultation of the master washing the feet of his followers.  John 13 recorded what happened.  How could Judas contain his thoughts, knowing he had thirty pieces of silver stashed away somewhere--and at the same time--Jesus kneeled before him to wash his feet!

Judas had so many opportunities to turn from his wicked ways and step aside from his journey of "mistakes".  Instead, he stuck to the plan and agreement, and betrayed Jesus with a kiss.  The most famous kiss in the history of mankind!  

Not long after that demonic act, the demons that influenced Judas to betray Jesus no doubt turned against Judas and drove him to despair.  While the Bible does not record that, we do know Judas attempted to return the money and then went to hang himself. "I have sinned... for I have betrayed innocent blood." (Matthew 27:4-5)

So Many Chances

Moments before Judas committed suicide, did he flashback to incidents like when the disciples rowed desperately through wind and waves on the Sea of Galilee?  Jesus told them after a long day of ministry (feeding 5000) to go to the other side of the Lake and he would meet them there.  In the disciples' crisis, they saw Jesus walking across the water as if a ghost.  When Jesus calmed the sea and saved them from their peril, they recognized Jesus as the Son of God and worshiped Him. The Bible didn't say everyone EXCEPT JUDAS worshiped the Lord.  Judas Iscariot, the Betrayer worshiped him with the rest. (Matthew 14:22-32)

So, the story of Judas is a tale of woe.  A man, who had every reason to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.  A man who in the end recognized he had sinned but did not call upon God to forgive him of those sins.  

And I have to ask myself, how am I like Judas Iscariot, the betrayer.  Blessed beyond measure, but still seeking my own gratifications.  Do I willingly repent and fall upon the mercy of God, or do I leave myself to the judgment as Judas did?