June 7: IS GOD UNFAIR? (part 2)

And while [Jesus] was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:47-48

Judas had been a disciple of Jesus for over three years. Unlike the religious leaders, he believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Yet he held tightly to the false traditional teaching that the Messiah would accomplish a political overthrow of the oppressive Roman government. But that was not the kind of king that Jesus was. Jesus came to lead—by example—a life that brings joy and glory to the Heavenly Father (see John 15:10-11). He also came to show the world what the Father is really like (see John 14:9), in contrast to false representations of Him in the world. The divine plan for His earthly life was completed when He took the full penalty for our disobedience to the Holy Covenant upon Himself (Psalm 22:1). The things that Jesus accomplished are meant for the transformation of spiritual character—through love for Him—that there might be a spiritual overthrow of oppressive and false religious teachings in exchange for truth. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Against the leading of the Holy Spirit, Judas steeled himself to hold tightly to false tradition. In so doing, he opened the door of his heart for Satan to enter (see Luke 22:3). After Jesus was arrested (instead of leading a revolution) and delivered to Pontius Pilate, Judas felt deep remorse and returned the betrayal money (thirty pieces of silver) to the chief priests, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:3,4). Instead of confessing to the Lord, he fell immediately into another of Satan’s traps: despair! Believing he had gone too far to be forgiven, he continued his long habit of pushing aside the pleadings of the Holy Spirit and committed suicide. Satan’s traps, if not escaped, lead his victims to destroy themselves.

Peter had been a disciple of Jesus for over three years. Unlike the religious leaders, he believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. But between the arrest of Jesus and His crucifixion, Peter strongly denied that he knew Jesus – three times! (Matthew 26:74-75)

One might compare Judas and Peter side-by-side, knowing that Judas was lost and Peter was saved, and ask if God is fair – or unfair. Both disciples sinned grievously: one by betrayal and the other by denial. Who is to say which is worse? The same Holy Spirit had pled with both men. But Judas hardened his heart each time, step-by-step, to the point of self-destruction. Peter was heartbroken by his failure before the Lord. But rather than move further away he repented in utter sincerity with bitter tears (Matthew 26:75). His life continued to demonstrate his willingness to grow, shed wrong attitudes (Acts 10:28), and lead others to a knowledge of Christ. Peter became one of the greatest preachers in the apostolic church.

The answer to the question is: God is better than fair!

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30