Devotion – Acts 1:17

“For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.”

A couple of thoughts ran through my head as I read this scripture…

Judas was part of the twelve. He was just as involved in the ministry as all the others. He was there when Jesus spoke to the crowds. He was a visual witness to all the miracles. He saw and heard everything…and yet he still found himself doubting and unable to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. His unbelief would lead to treachery as he would eventually turn Christ over to the authorities. We all know what happens to Christ after that.

How does that happen? How do you go from walking with Christ…and then plotting his death? How do you go from living with Christ to betraying him to His face? Where was the loyalty breakdown? We know Jesus saw it coming. He said he knew it at the last supper. So what happened to Judas along the way? When did that seed of doubt enter his heart?

The truth is, I don’t know. It’s puzzling. I can’t imagine walking with Christ, witnessing all of those miracles, and still not believing in Him. It’s beyond me. However, what I do find interesting is that even in the tight close network of disciples that Jesus kept…there was still unbelief, doubt, and ultimately treachery. These guys weren’t just anyone. They were all handpicked by Christ himself. Judas is no stranger by the time he walks up to Christ and kisses him in betrayal.

What really strikes me is that even in the ministry team of Christ we find a breakdown in unity. Optimism would say that 11 out of 12 is great…and it is…but Christ is God. He is perfect. He knows people. He knew Judas would betray Him…and yet even Judas had his place in the ministry of Christ.

Judas’ failure in the ministry of Christ had its place in the sovereign hand of God.

Jesus knew that it would happen and yet never steered away from teaching Judas kingdom principles…principles like living abundantly, loving abundantly, giving abundantly, and sacrificing abundantly. Even Judas deserved to hear the gospel, though his heart was hardened. Christ never once steered away from teaching and giving Judas the truth. Christ, knowing that Judas was about to betray him, still wanted the kiss from Judas.

I don’t know where you are at this morning with your relationship with God…but Jesus still wants that kiss from you too. You might feel as if your life betrays everything Jesus is about, but it never stops him from loving you all the same. I am sure that Jesus would have rather had Judas be on board with the ministry plan…but that wasn’t the path that Judas chose. Judas took a different road…and it led to shame and guilt…so much guilt…that it would take his own life.

The Message Bible follows up with this train of thought in Acts 1:25…

“…to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way.”

Which way are you going?

Are you one of us?