Understanding Judas

On April 13, 2025, after welcoming his congregation, Pastor Eric explained that, today, Palm Sunday commemorates the day Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He stated that when Jesus, who was greeted as King, entered the holy city, He was not straddling a mighty warhorse as earthly kings would, but was humbly seated upon a young donkey. The path before Him was not paved with gold, but with branches strewn across the road, and the cloaks of ordinary people, cast down in an act of profound respect and adoration. He quoted from the gospel of John, chapter 12, verse 13:

Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

Pastor Eric then delved into the meaning of the word ‘Hosanna’. This wasn’t just a shout of praise, but a desperate plea. ‘Hosanna’ in Hebrew, means ‘Save please’ or ‘Save now”. The people were crying out for deliverance, for redemption, recognizing in Jesus their Messiah, their hope for a better future. Pastor Eric continued, emphasizing the prophetic weight of the event. This wasn’t a spontaneous outburst; it was a direct fulfillment of the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, which foretold that the King would arrive righteous and victorious, yet lowly, riding on a donkey. This seemingly simple act spoke volumes. It showcased Jesus not as a conquering warlord, but as a humble and peaceful leader. He contrasted Jesus’ approach with the display of power by the ruling elite of the time. The leaders of the day would typically arrive on imposing war horses, flaunting their power and strength. But Jesus chose a donkey, a symbol of humility and peace. He came not to conquer through force, but to conquer through love and service. He came in peace, offering salvation to all who would accept it.

Read Matthew 27:46

Everyone was shouting ‘Hosanna’, full of faith and expectation. They saw in Jesus the hope they’ve been longing for. But the heartbreaking truth is that just a few days later, a similar crowd would be swayed by fear and manipulation. They would turn their backs on Him, their cries of ‘Hosanna’ replaced by the demand, ‘Crucify Him!’ The very voices that moments before had sung praises to Jesus as the Messiah were twisted into shouts demanding His crucifixion. Even those closest to Him, His most trusted disciples, would falter turn their backs on Him. Peter, bold and unwavering just days before, would deny even knowing Jesus, an act of self-preservation that would haunt him for the rest of his life. The remaining 11 apostles abandoned Him in His hour of greatest need, scattering like sheep chased by wolves. This isolation reached its peak on the cross, where, burdened by the weight of the world’s sin and feeling forsaken by all, Jesus uttered the heart-wrenching cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This descent into despair was precipitated by the ultimate act of treachery: Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus for a mere 30 pieces of silver.

Pastor Eric then asked,

Has anyone here ever experienced the deep, gut-wrenching pain of betrayal? Have you ever extended your heart, your trust, to someone you considered a friend, only to have that person stab you in the back? If so, you are in good company. Even Jesus was betrayed by a close friend, Judas Iscariot, one of His own chosen disciples. He reminded them that Judas’ actions were prophesied in Scripture. It was a necessary part of God’s plan. Betrayals are very painful. They cut deep and can take a lifetime to heal. But here’s the beautiful truth we can hold on to in moments of despair: Jesus understands our pain. He intimately knows the sting of betrayal. He felt the weight of abandonment by God, the Father. And because He walked through the same valley of pain, we can go to Him with our broken hearts. We can pour out our pain, our anger, our confusion, and our grief at His feet. We can be vulnerable, knowing we will be met with compassion and unwavering love. Remember, we are not alone. We are not orphans. We have Jesus, our faithful friend, our unwavering advocate. He is sufficient for us.

Pastor Eric then said that he wanted to explore the life of Judas Iscariot to genuinely understand what led him to betray Jesus. And, more importantly, how we can examine our own lives to see if we are inadvertently heading down a similar path. And to discern if there is a ‘Judas’ in our life: someone close to us who might not have our best interests at heart, someone who might betray our trust. Pastor Eric stated that that, yes, there are potentially Judases among us, but he emphasized, that there are so many more examples of goodness, of unwavering faith and selfless love in the church. A church is filled will all kinds of people, each with their own unique role to play. He went on to say that there are ‘Pauls’ in the church. The spiritual fathers and mothers who nurture and guide us. They mentor us. They’re the ones who challenge us to grow, to deepen our faith, and to live more fully according to God’s will. And then there are the Barnabases, the encouragers for our lives. They see our potential even when we doubt ourselves. We also have ‘Jonathans’ in our lives. Loyal friends who stand by us no matter what the cost. Jonathan remained faithful to David even when it was risky. And then there are the ‘Timothys’ and ‘Tituses’ in our lives. They are like sons and daughters to us, individuals whom we mentor and guide. They learn from us. They take what we’ve invested in them and put it into practice. And let’s not forget the ‘Epahrases’ in our lives. They are the intercessors, the prayer warriors who pray for the church. They are so valuable and precious. Some ‘Epaphrases’ believe that if they don’t work in the church and are present in church only on Sundays they are not doing enough, but Pastor Eric does not agree. He says that if they are on their knees praying for the church, during the week, they are doing a great deal.

Even with all these wonderful people in the church, there is sometimes a Judas among the flock. Pastor Eric then pivoted to a surprising proposition: that we can learn even from people like Judas. He explained that we tend to remember people of faith such as the apostle Paul, whose letters were included in the Bible; David, who penned many Psalms; Moses, the lawgiver who led God’s people out of slavery; Abraham, the patriarch whose obedience earned him God’s covenant; and Elijah, the powerful prophet who confronted idolatry. These men offer invaluable lessons. However, Pastor Eric argued that our learning shouldn’t be limited to these great men of God. He emphasized his firm conviction that we can also learn from Judas. If we are teachable, and if we are listening to the right thing, we can learn. He illustrated this principle by sharing a personal example. He revealed that his library contains books written by individuals whose teachings he does not agree with. These are not endorsements of their views, but tools to help him learn. He knowingly holds on to books he does not agree with because he believes he can still glean valuable information and refine his own understanding. Pastor Eric clarified a crucial point: learning from someone does not mean we agree with everything he or she teaches. Learning is not about blind acceptance; it’s about discerning truth and refining our own understanding. He reminded us that “if we are teachable, the Spirit of God will teach us through different things”. The Holy Spirit is a constant guide, leading us towards truth and illuminating our path even through challenging or unconventional sources. He stressed the key is to remain open and receptive. We just need to keep our ears open. Pastor Eric concluded his introduction, returning to his central theme: We can learn from Judas today.

Pastor Eric then proposed four takeaways from the life of Judas.

The First Takeaway :

Judas was present with Jesus physically, yet remained distant spiritually

His first point centered on the difference between physical proximity and genuine spiritual connection. Judas was present with Jesus physically, yet remained distant spiritually. He walked alongside the Messiah; He listened to Jesus’ profound teachings; He witnessed firsthand the miracles of Jesus. But Judas did not allow these experiences, these profound encounters with the Lord, to truly transform him. The messages and the very presence of Jesus, failed to penetrate his heart. He heard the gospel and he was exposed to the Word of God directly from the anointed lips of Jesus. However, God’s Word, this message of love, forgiveness, and redemption, remained confined in Judas’ intellect. It failed to reach his heart, the place where true conversion takes root. Because of this disconnect, his life, despite being intimately interwoven with that of the Saviour, remained essentially unchanged, a testament to the fact that mere association does not equate to transformation.

Why did Pastor Eric say that Judas didn’t allow the message to penetrate his heart? Well, the Bible tells us he was a thief. He was skimming from the offering plate. Pastor Eric then elaborated on this point, suggesting that Judas’ thievery likely wasn’t a sudden spontaneous occurrence. God’s Word doesn’t reveal what Judas’ life was before he was called as an apostle. However, Pastor Eric argued, based on experience and observation, that such behaviour is rarely begins this way. You don’t start skimming from the offering plate for the very first time when you’re already part of the church. It’s mainly because there was a pattern before, a pre-existing tendency towards dishonesty. His point was clear: Judas’ behaviour while in the company of Jesus was likely a continuation of pre-existing habits, a reflection of a character that had not been genuinely touched and reformed by the gospel. It highlights the fact that proximity to holiness doesn’t automatically guarantee holiness itself.

Read John 12:6

The gospel of John paints a troubling portrait of Judas Iscariot, revealing a character flaw that predates his betrayal of Jesus. John 12:6 states, “He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” This verse unveils a pattern of dishonesty and self-serving behaviour that extended throughout Judas’ time with Christ. This passage of Scripture states that Judas was stealing from others as well. It highlights the discrepancy between his outward appearance and his inner motivations. In John 12:6, he wasn’t driven by compassion for the needy, but by a desire for personal gain. As the treasurer, he abused the trust placed in him, using his position to secretly siphon off funds for his own purposes. Judas was acting in bad faith, prioritizing his own selfish desires over the needs of the group and the mission they were undertaking. He understood that the money in the bag was not his to use, yet he chose to disregard this understanding and act according to his own greediness.

Read Malachi 3:8-10

John 12:6 draws a significant conclusion: Judas was actually stealing from the Lord. It represented resources dedicated to the work of God. By misappropriating those funds, he was not merely stealing from his fellow disciples; he was undermining the very mission of Jesus and betraying the trust that had been placed in him by the Lord Himself. If you think about it, the passage states it was their moneybag, so he was stealing from the work of God. This adds a profound layer of significance to Judas’ actions, framing them not just as petty theft but as a betrayal of God’s purposes.

Pastor Eric pointed out that a similar context of stealing from the Lord is found in Malachi 3:8-10. He illuminated the passage, highlighting that the very act of withholding the tithe, the portion designated to the Lord, is considered stealing from God Himself. He urged us to think about that for a moment. God explicitly states that the tithe belongs to Him. It isn’t ours to decide whether or not to give. It’s a recognition of His ultimate ownership of everything we have, a symbolic gesture acknowledging that all blessings flow from Him. He then delved into the nature of this ‘robbery’. We might immediately think of Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. We might picture someone secretly stealing from the offering plate, but this isn’t about physical theft in the traditional sense. God’s concern goes much deeper than that. It’s a matter of the heart.

Then Pastor Eric directly quoted the Lord’s rebuke to His people: “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ ‘In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse – your whole nation – because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:8-10).

Read Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7, Matthew 4:7, 6:21, 17:24-27, 22:21, and 23:23, Genesis 28:22

Pastor Eric went on to say that other than in Malachi 3:8-10, the Bible condemns the idea of testing God. Deuteronomy 6:16 urges us to be vigilant against the temptation to test the Lord. The gravity of this warning is further emphasized in Matthew 4, where Jesus faces the devil in the desert. In verse 7, Jesus rebukes the devil’s attempt to lure him into testing God, stating, “…You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” However, only Malachi 3:10 contains an invitation to test God with respect to tithes and offerings. This is not a suggestion to test Him in a manipulative way, but rather an invitation to put faith into action and experience the blessing that follow obedience. The imagery of overflowing storehouses emphasizes the magnitude of the potential blessings. Faithful obedience in tithing unlocks a powerful flow of God’s favour and provision.

It is crucial to remember that God’s primary desire isn’t our money; He owns everything. Gold and silver are inherently His. As Matthew 22:21 states, “…Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” This verse emphasizes that our offering to God should be genuine and reflective of our devotion. Jesus even demonstrated God’s ability to provide without human assistance by miraculously retrieving money from the mouth of a fish. This underscores the point that God does not need our financial contributions. What God truly desires is our heart. He seeks a genuine connection with us, a relationship built on love, trust, and obedience. Often, our heart and our treasure are intertwined, as Jesus points out in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This principle underscores the importance of examining where we invest our resources, as it reveals what truly holds our attention and affection. If our treasure is solely focused on earthly possessions, it suggests our heart may be far from God. Therefore, tithing is not a financial obligation but an act of faith. It’s a tangible expression of our trust in God’s provision and a recognition of His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives. It’s a way of putting God first, acknowledging that He is the source of our blessings and that we are stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. When approached with a sincere and generous heart, tithing can deepen our relationship with God and open us up to experience His abundant blessings, not just in material terms, but also in spiritual growth, peace, and joy. It’s not about testing God, but demonstrating faith in His promises.

Read Genesis 14:20 and 28:22

There is a common misconception that being no longer under the Law negates the practice of tithing. However, Pastor Eric points out that a closer look at Scripture reveals a different perspective. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. (Genesis 14:20), and Genesis 28:22 states that Jacob who wrestled with uncertainty and fear as he journeyed away from his home, made a profound vow. He promised that if God would be with him, protect him on his journey, provide him with food and clothing, and bring him back safely to his father’s house, then he would give a tenth of everything he receives back to God.

Therefore, the motive of tithing is not simply to comply with a rule, but to express gratitude and acknowledge God’s sovereignty in all areas of our lives. It’s about saying, “God, I recognize that everything I have comes from You. You are the source of my protection, my provision and my blessings.” Tithing becomes an act of worship, a tangible demonstration of our love and trust in God. It’s a way to honour Him not just with our words and our hearts, but also with our resources. It’s a way to remember that our lives are not our own, but are lived in service and gratitude to the One who has given us everything.

What we learn from Judas is that it’s not enough to simply follow Christ physically. True discipleship demands a corresponding commitment of our hearts and minds. We must constantly examine ourselves, honestly and prayerfully, to discern whether we are truly following Him spiritually. One way to gauge this is by comparing our lives before encountering Christ with our lives today. When we reflect on our lives before we found Jesus, do we see a tangible difference? This doesn’t mean we achieve instant perfection, but rather that the trajectory of our lives has been fundamentally altered. There should be evidence of progress, a gradual but discernible movement towards holiness, a process of sanctification driven by the indwelling Holy Spirit. However, mere progress is insufficient. We must ask ourselves: is there a fundamental change in our heart? Are we actively striving to emulate Jesus’ character in our thoughts, words, and actions? Are we becoming more patient, more forgiving, more loving, more selfless?

The human heart is a tricky thing. It is prone to both acts of selfless love and acts of self-preservation, often disguised as righteousness. This duality makes us susceptible to deception, particularly self-deception. We can also easily convince ourselves that we are progressing, becoming better versions of ourselves, when, in reality, we are simply rearranging the furniture in the same old room. We may adopt new habits, or even engage in acts of service, yet remain fundamentally unchanged at our core. Therefore, the path to genuine transformation requires more than just internal reflection. We must be willing to open ourselves up to the honest observations of those closest to us, the people who witness our daily lives and interactions. They serve as mirrors, reflecting back to us the truth that we may be blind to our true spiritual condition. Have we truly become more like Christ? Are we exhibiting the qualities of compassion, patience, forgiveness, and selfless love in our words and actions? Pastor Eric reminds us that this pursuit of Christ-likeness is not about achieving an unattainable perfection. We are fallible human beings, and stumbles and missteps are inevitable. We will slip now and again. Occasional acts of imperfection do not negate the entire journey. What we are talking about here, what truly matters, is the overall trajectory of our lives, the consistent pattern of our behaviour. It’s about the intentional cultivation of a lifestyle that reflects the teachings and example of Christ.

The Second Takeaway

Judas was close to Jesus but not aligned with Jesus

Read Psalm 139:23-24

The second takeaway we learn from Judas is that we may be present in church today, settled into a pew as we’ve been since we were a child. We may think that simply being present, a consistent face in the congregation, equates to spiritual growth. But remember Judas. He walked with Jesus for 3 ½ years. Judas could likely recount details of Jesus’ life and ministry that are lost to history. Consider your own spiritual journey. Are you simply following a routine? Perhaps you come to church because your parents always did, or maybe your friends’ invitation pulled you in. Perhaps the influence of your spouse brings you here. These are all valid reasons to be present. But the crucial question remains: what do you do with your presence? Are you merely observing, a passive participant? If you come here today, week after week, year after year, and remain closed to the possibility of internal transformation, if you refuse to open your heart and mind to receive the Word of God with genuine faith, then, like Judas, your life will likely remain unchanged. You may hear the stories and sing worship songs, but without faith, they will fail to fill the void within. As Tim Keller stated, “Real Christianity is about transformation, not just following rituals. If your faith does not transform your character and actions, it might be worth examining whether it is merely intellectual ascent, rather than true belief.”

Read Matthew 26:21-22

Judas had an unchanging heart. He was a thief before his association with Jesus and remained one throughout. Christ’s declaration in Matthew 26, “…Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me”, throws the apostles into a state of profound introspection. The passage emphasizes the shared sorrow and self-examination that gripped the eleven disciples. Their responses, “Is it I, Lord?” reveal a profound concern, a genuine fear that they might be capable of such a heinous act. They are grappling with their own fallibility, pleading with Jesus that they not be the one to betray Him. Their response underscores their recognition of Jesus’ authority and their desire to remain faithful. The use of ‘Lord’ in their questioning is not merely a respectful title, but an acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine nature and their submission to Him. However, Judas’ response stands in stark contrast. While he asks the same question, ‘Is it I, Rabbi?’, the passage shows that the tone is markedly different, lacking the genuine sorrow and self-reproach demonstrated by the others. This subtle distinction in tone is further amplified by the specific title Judas uses, ‘Rabbi’. While ‘Rabbi’ – meaning teacher – is respectful, it falls short of the recognition of Jesus’ divinity compared to ‘Lord’. By addressing Christ as Rabbi, Judas is acknowledging Jesus’ earthly role as a teacher and leader, but avoiding the deeper recognition of His divine identity. The word chosen underscores the difference in how Judas perceived Jesus. Judas saw Him as a figure to be respected, but not as the Son of God. Genuine change happens when we embrace Him as Lord. It is our surrender to Him that leads us to genuine and lasting change.

Read John 12:3-7

The story of Judas in John 12 highlights the difference between proximity and alignment. While Judas was walked alongside Jesus, ate with Him, and witnessed His miracles, his heart was far from Him. He was physically close, yet spiritually distant, failing to truly acknowledge Christ as his Lord and Master. He had a self-centred agenda fueled by greed. In this chapter, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a pound of expensive perfume. Her act of selfless worship highlights the recognition and reverence Jesus deserved. However, Judas, witnessing the same scene, critiques her, saying, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” On the surface, this might seem like a noble concern, but this passage reveals the true motive behind Judas’s comment. “He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it” (John 12:6). While Mary saw an opportunity to honour Jesus with a lavish display of affection, Judas saw a wasted opportunity to fill his own pockets. He held on to an agenda, a secret plan, rather than embracing Jesus’ divine plan.

When we approach God, we must abandon our personal agendas. Serving God requires a level of self-emptying, a willingness to relinquish control and surrender our will to Him. We need to consciously come to a place where we empty ourselves of our selfish desires, our personal ambitions, and our carefully crafted plans. This isn’t a passive process, but an active and intentional act of submission. We must think of it as cleaning out a cluttered room before welcoming a guest. God cannot fully occupy a space already filled with our ego, our pride, and our self-importance. God fills those who are empty, those who have created room for His presence in their being. We must empty ourselves so that He can fill us. This emptying process often involves a necessary death – a death of our selfish ambitions and desires that pull us away from God’s intended path for our lives. We must die to our flesh and its passions. We must die to our desires and plans if they are not aligned with God’s grand design. And sometimes, we need to die to our ideologies, our philosophies, our mentalities, and even our theologies. We must be willing to abandon theologies that do not line up with the Bible, even if they are familiar or widely accepted, because, ultimately, our allegiance is to God’s Word, not human interpretation.

Read Ecclesiastes 5:10

Judas was led by greed. This is a reminder that we must examine the motivations that drive our actions. We must test and filter our desires, ensuring that they align with the Lord’s desires and His purposes for our lives. Ecclesiastes 5:10 explains it clearly: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” This verse does not condemn money. Money is a tool, a resource that can be used for good or evil. The danger lies not in its existence, but in our relationship with it. The problem arises when the love of money takes root in our heart. It’s when money becomes an idol promising security, satisfaction, and comfort that it cannot ultimately deliver. We start to measure our worth by our net worth and our happiness by the size of our bank account. We begin to believe the lie that material possessions can fill the spiritual void within us. Jesus, however, offers a different path. He desires to be our ultimate source of security, satisfaction, and comfort. He promises to provide for our needs and fill us with a peace that surpasses all understanding. But when something else, be it wealth, takes that place of preeminence in our lives, it becomes an idol. An idol is anything we prioritize above God, anything we depend on more than Him. Judas’ greed problem didn’t just lead him to betray Jesus; it caused him to compromise his integrity. He allowed money to blur the lines between right and wrong until he was willing to betray his own Lord and Saviour for thirty pieces of silver. By constantly evaluating our motivations and aligning them with God’s will, we can experience the true and lasting fulfillment that comes from living a life centred on Christ.

Someone said: “Judas is a warning to all of us not to hold any part of ourselves back from God. He followed Jesus, witnessed miracles, and even participated in ministry, yet he never truly surrendered his heart. His love for money overpowered his love for Christ.”

The Third Takeaway

He knew about Jesus but did not worship him as Jesus 

Read John 12:3

The third takeaway we get from the life of Judas is that he knew about Jesus. But knowing about someone is vastly different from truly knowing Him, from embracing Him as Lord, as the Messiah. Judas lacked the fundamental elements that separate mere knowledge from genuine faith: revelation and reverence. He was present physically but his heart remained distant, unmoved by the divine reality unfolding before him. Pastor Eric then drew a vivid picture from the gospel of John. In chapter 12, when Mary, overcome with love and devotion, poured that expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, what was Judas’ reaction? He scoffed, ‘Why waste it!’ he saw only the monetary value. He couldn’t comprehend the profound significance of Mary’s act. He saw extravagance where Mary saw adoration.

Mary knew Jesus as the promised Messiah. Because of that intimate knowledge, her act of pouring the perfume was prophetic. It was more than just a gesture of love; it was a divinely inspired announcement of His impending burial. She was unknowingly preparing Him for what was to come. Judas couldn’t grasp this deeper meaning. Mary called it worship; Judas called it a waste. Isn’t that the same struggle we see today? People who haven’t truly tasted the goodness of Jesus simply don’t understand why we dedicate hours each week to gathering in church. They see it as an unnecessary obligation, a tedious commitment. They might even see it as a ‘waste’ of valuable time. Those who haven’t tasted the goodness of the Lord don’t understand why we worship and why we pour out our hearts in prayer. They can’t fathom the joy, the peace, and the connection we experience in those moments. They see only the surface and therefore miss the profound spiritual nourishment we receive. Pastor Eric went on to say that when we receive that revelation, when we no longer see Jesus as merely a teacher, but as our Lord, our everything, then, and only then, do we truly understand the value of our time spent in His presence. We don’t mind giving Him a few hours of our week. We eagerly anticipate those moments of worship and spiritual connection. What are a few hours compared to the eternity He offers us? What are a few dollars compared to the priceless gift of salvation? These are small offerings when measured against the infinite love and grace that Jesus Christ has poured out upon us. Let us strive, then, to know Him not just in our minds, but in our hearts, so that our worship, like Mary’s, may be a fragrant offering, pleasing in His sight.

The Fourth Takeaway

Judas chose to stay down

Read Matthew 27:3, John 8:11, and Luke 22:3

Pastor Eric moved on to his fourth and perhaps his most important point: Judas chose to remain in his despair, he chose to stay down. Matthew 27:3 tells us, “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.” This verse offers a glimpse into the turmoil within Judas. After his devastating act of betrayal, Judas was overcome with remorse. In fact, the Greek word used here suggests a deep, gnawing pain, a profound regret for his actions. He even repented. He gave back the blood money, returning the 30 pieces of silver to those who had offered it. He had a moment of profound remorse and conviction. He realized, too late, the magnitude of his betrayal and the devastating consequences of his actions. However, there was also a darker force at play here. Just before his repentance, the Bible states that the devil entered him. This is a chilling statement, suggesting that, even though Judas had free will, he was influenced by an evil power. He could have sought forgiveness from the Lord, but he did not. This raises a crucial point: we must be vigilant about what we watch, hear, and do. This leads to a broader consideration of the subtle ways we can open ourselves up to negative influences.

Jesus warned the demon-possessed woman He had healed, “Go and sin no more”. This isn’t just about avoiding evil acts like playing with Ouija boards, engaging in fortune telling, or dabbling in voodoo. It’s about recognizing that even seemingly minor choices, the things we watch, the things we hear and the things we do, can chip away at our moral compass and make us more vulnerable to the forces of evil. These seemingly small choices can create pathways for negative influences to enter our lives, ultimately leading us down a path of regret and despair, a path from which, like Judas, we might struggle with…and stay down.

Pastor Eric reminded us, however, that, despite his failure, Peter got back up. The Bible tells us that Jesus specifically prayed for him. Jesus prayed that when Peter regained his footing, he would strengthen his brothers. Pastor Eric drew a stark contrast between Peter’s path and that of Judas. While Peter stumbled and ultimately found his way back to grace, Judas succumbed to despair and condemnation. He stayed down, unable to forgive himself or believe in the possibility of redemption. This, Pastor Eric explained, was a crucial distinction. It wasn’t just about the act of betrayal itself, but about the response to that act. He further broadened the scope, reminding us that the eleven apostles also abandoned Him during his darkest hour. They fled, scattering like sheep without a shepherd, fearful for their own lives. Yet, they too, found the courage to rise again.

In conclusion, Pastor Eric quoted the insightful words of C.S. Lewis: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

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