Main Point and Overview:
We’ve all seen these kinds of people. The kind that “look, act, and smell the part,” but deep down, they are imposters, frauds. They are smooth with their words to your face, but they “stab you in the back” to others. They are seemingly supportive to your face, but behind the scenes, they are working for their own benefit. Judas was the ultimate example of what “fraudulent followers” looks like. He fellowshipped with Jesus, even followed him for a season. Ultimately, he was motivated by greed and power. It is big-time important to evaluate what motivates us to do what we do. Is it the praise of men, or the glory of God? Is it the comfort that this life can bring, or is it the commitment of the Gospel that demands a difficult cost? When Judas began to realize that Jesus had indeed NOT come to establish a wealthy and comfortable kingdom on earth, he panicked. This was not what he had “signed up for” when he began to follow Jesus. He never expected to struggle. He never expected to have people ready to kill him. So, he “made a deal with the Devil” to protect his own comfort. Understand that while we all struggle with our motivations at one time or another, a true disciple of Jesus Christ is firmly planted on the true Kingdom principles of service, sacrifice, and submission. The Christian journey is not a phase; it's a way of life. Judas wasn’t interested in a “way of life commitment.” He was interested in power and pleasure. When he finally realized the devastation of his choice, he compounded matters by “feeling sorry” without a real sense to change. God doesn’t care how sorry you feel in your sin; he cares that you repent in humble obedience. Judas was a fraud. Many people are “fans” but not true followers of Jesus! How about you?
We’ve all seen these kinds of people. The kind that “look, act, and smell the part,” but deep down, they are imposters, frauds. They are smooth with their words to your face, but they “stab you in the back” to others. They are seemingly supportive to your face, but behind the scenes, they are working for their own benefit. Judas was the ultimate example of what “fraudulent followers” looks like. He fellowshipped with Jesus, even followed him for a season. Ultimately, he was motivated by greed and power. It is big-time important to evaluate what motivates us to do what we do. Is it the praise of men, or the glory of God? Is it the comfort that this life can bring, or is it the commitment of the Gospel that demands a difficult cost? When Judas began to realize that Jesus had indeed NOT come to establish a wealthy and comfortable kingdom on earth, he panicked. This was not what he had “signed up for” when he began to follow Jesus. He never expected to struggle. He never expected to have people ready to kill him. So, he “made a deal with the Devil” to protect his own comfort. Understand that while we all struggle with our motivations at one time or another, a true disciple of Jesus Christ is firmly planted on the true Kingdom principles of service, sacrifice, and submission. The Christian journey is not a phase; it's a way of life. Judas wasn’t interested in a “way of life commitment.” He was interested in power and pleasure. When he finally realized the devastation of his choice, he compounded matters by “feeling sorry” without a real sense to change. God doesn’t care how sorry you feel in your sin; he cares that you repent in humble obedience. Judas was a fraud. Many people are “fans” but not true followers of Jesus! How about you?
Posted in Devotional