Everyone has a Judas. Some of us have multiple Judases! Although a Judas can be extremely irritating (let’s call it what it is), there is a purpose for the Judases in our lives. This person can be in our neighborhoods, at work, or even in the church. It really does not matter where we encounter a Judas, there is a lesson to learn from that person.
There is a saying: “There is a lesson in every experience.” Good or bad, there is something that can be learned, something that can be gleaned from that experience. If a person was blessed with a car or home, the lesson can point to God’s provision and favor. Walking through a challenging experience can teach us endurance. Praying for an answer to a situation can teach us about our limited knowledge and God’s all-knowing ability. But what can a Judas teach us?
Matthew 26:47-50 talks about Judas betraying Jesus. He not only planned it, but he also used an affectionate gesture as a signal to the people, Chief Priests, and Elders of the community that came with him. Judases are not always obvious in our lives.
So, what can we learn? Sometimes the lesson is pushing us to mature in different ways, like patience. Sometimes the lesson is learning to love other Christians, in spite of their actions towards us. A Judas can even teach us about extending grace to others. We are all at different maturity levels in our Christian Walk. We may have even been at the level of a Judas before we grew up spiritually.
Regardless of how your Judas looks, we can take the opportunity to grow, exercise patience, and walk in love. Unfortunately, there may always be a Judas around us at various times in our lives, but Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things are working for our good. So, it is all good in spite of a Judas!
God bless you!
Nadirah Fareed
