A sincere repentance

In the New Testament we are introduced to a complex character named Judah Iscariot. He is the predestined person who would commit the ultimate betrayal by selling Jesus Christ for a few coins. Judah is a character that is complicated for me as I was never able to grasp his intentions. In the book of Mark we are given the list of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, however, it’s until the book of John that we are given knowledge about this disciple.

He is described as the betrayer of Jesus Christ but also as the treasurer of the money for Jesus ministry. It was during the anointing at Bethany where; Mary the sister of Lazarus anoints(cleans) Jesus feet with an expensive perfume that its cost would have been a years income at that time and dried them with her hair. The Bible is pretty spot on when it says that “from the heart speaks the mouth” and we can see the truth in this verses,

5. Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor? 6.” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box, and he used to take what was put in it.”

In Judah’s heart above any other feeling was greed for the money. His lack of love for the poor or needy but instead his desire for more money was his downfall later on. Judah’s small failings lead to open doors for bigger and evil influences that destroyed his life. Jesus in the book of John identified his betrayer in the washing of his feet and the last supper.

John 13:11

For he knew who would betray him; therefore he said, ” You are not all clean”.

The disciple Judah at the last supper after Jesus Christ said “it is to he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it” and who else than Iscariot. It is stated in the Bible that Satan entered him and after being given the bread. Judah had the possibility of being saved as the rest of the disciples, however, his greed for the money and him not having a true repentance led him to commit suicide by hanging himself.

In the book of Matthew and Acts, the Bible gives us details of what happened to him after the betrayal. In verse 3 of chapter 27 of Matthews the Bible says that Judah was remorseful after seeing that he was condemned but it doesn’t say that he had repentance in his heart and wanted to change his way. God works in a sincere heart, in a heart that is open to change. Our iniquities and sin is forgotten when we open up our heart to God and allow him to visit and change us.

In today’s service God restored a family and spoke to a youth that visited us; knowing what transpired it makes me want to work more for God. Let us have a heart full of repentance so that the Holy Spirit may work in our lives.