Have you ever you thought you could do a better job than the boss? The guy in charge is just a little off and if you could get in there and just tweak things a little, well, things will break loose and momentum will propel this little grassroots movement into the stratosphere.
Your competitors understand how valuable you are to your organization. Why else would they be courting you and offering you a nice bonus to get you to make a move in their direction. They appreciate you. You’re important and your current boss just doesn’t realize how important your contributions and input are. You’re misunderstood and your boss is a little out of touch with the common man. Unlike you; you’re dialed in.
You know how to shake things up. You need to put the boss’s feet to the fire. A little competition will be a healthy thing. If you turn the boss over to the competition, that will be the spark needed to launch the revolution that will put the boss in his rightful position, ruling this place, with me on his right hand.
When the Bible says that Satan entered Judas, I think these were the kinds of thoughts he was whispering in Judas’ ear. Satan didn’t make it sound like some kind of insidious plot against Jesus; he spun a mythical yarn with Judas starring as the heroic protagonist. What Judas thought was a strength was the very weakness Satan exploited; nationalistic identity and religious pride.
Even so, when Judas was in the middle of committing his treachery, Jesus doesn’t accuse; He questions. Matthew records this question asked by Jesus: “Friend, why have you come?” And Luke adds: “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Neither author records a response from Judas. But we all know the rest of the story. Judas is can’t live with the guilt or remorse or failure or embarrassment and hangs himself. It’s a tragic end to a story prophesied long before it occurred.
Many share the opinion that Jesus was offering Judas one more chance to confess and repent by adopting an attitude that asks questions instead of slinging accusations. Jesus knew exactly what was happening and had every right to accuse, but He didn’t. And He doesn’t.
Human ambition, pride and betrayal are not difficult to predict and, although treacherous and hurtful, they are no big surprise. What is a shocker, however, is the forgiveness and grace Jesus so willingly offers and extends. The question is: will you accept this gift?
4 comments:
I really appreciate this post. I am in the middle of a family struggle and my fiance's brother has been slinging accusations, concerns, judgments, and attacks in my face. This is encouraging to see the juxtaposition of Christ with how the world works. Thank you for highlights Christ's nature to me in this tough time. God bless. Nic
oft I force my hand in blind compassion. Did Judas?
Wow, that's the best treatment of Judas' life (outside of Scripture) I've ever read. Great job. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
I have my doubts on Satan's hand in the betrayal. I think the gospels that deal with the issue have many theological holes in them. I encourage you to read my take on the story.
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