Get Ready for Judas! Either Way You Win...

43Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48"Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." 50Then everyone deserted him and fled. –Mark 9:43-50 (NIV)

Who or what is your Judas? Sometimes we spend so much time trying to figure out why something happened—why us, why now? But, whatever the reason or logic, Judas betrayed Jesus. Judas was convinced that “he-Judas” was better off if Jesus was in the hands of men. Let me say this another way. Judas was convinced that “he” was better off if Jesus-- the healer, the feeder of the multitude, the one who raises deceased persons to life--was bound, flogged, and oppressed. Does this make sense?

Let’s try to unpack Judas for a moment and take the high road. Perhaps, Judas, in some way, knew that Jesus would escape this mob. Perhaps, he believed that Jesus would divert the teachers of the law and be able to flee. Perhaps, he thought that “Superman” would somehow be able to slip away as he had before; but just in case there was kryptonite, Judas had his money. So, all would not be lost. But, as we peruse the text closely, we will notice that even Judas was unsuspectingly fulfilling God’s ultimate plan for the redemption of humanity. He didn't know his true role. But, Jesus knew who Judas was and what Judas planned to do. Judas had no clue that he was leading Christ to divine destiny. Let’s recall the story. Earlier before his betrayal, Jesus announced to his disciples that he would be betrayed and that "his time" had come. He also said that , "The Son of Man (Jesus) is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." The disciples including Judas did not understand what Jesus meant. They did not understand that God could bring something good out of pure evil. What am I saying? Your Judas—is the thing, the obstacle that may bring you to your knees. It is the one (the closest one to you, a friend, a family member) who causes you the most pain—if you forget that ultimate good trumps evil. That’s a hard pill to swallow for most. Judas serves a finite purpose. Judas has only a small window to act. Draw closer. Judas’ role sparks the onset of Jesus’ destiny. Your Judas sparks your destiny. Furthermore, Jesus’ time to be in the hands of men was limited. Your time to be in the hands of men is limited. Regardless of Judas’ intentions or logic, he was subject to God’s time. Do you understand what I am saying? Either way, your Judas’ intentions for you may be fatal, but God's plans for you are good. God is the author and finisher of your faith. God is the Alpha and the Omega. Judas can only set into motion the very thing that Jesus came to do-to redeem the work of God’s hands. What does this mean? Judas cannot delay or deny your destiny. Judas works in God's time. Continue to follow God and know that if you die, you serve a God who can raise you to life again. If you fall, you serve a God who can pick you up. If your friends betray you, you have a God who knows your pain and can mend your heart. My sister, my brother either way, no matter what happens, no matter who does what to do, if you pick up your cross and follow this magnificent Saviour, you will find new life in Him. Your enemies and illnesses are no match for your God! Now, that’s good news. Look your “Judas” in the eyes and say either way, I win! Now, Shout Yes! God wins!