Judas
Published by Jake Allen July 14th, 2005 in UncategorizedIn the Bible, Judas left the disciples after his betrayal and killed himself. But if he had stayed with them, how would he have been treated?
How should we treat a Judas today?
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It is a matter of repentance; that is why Judas couldn’t have fit back in with the apostles. How we treat a “Judas” today depends upon whether or not they ask forgiveness, otherwise “we” are just being foolish if we keep dealing with a person who we know has hurt us and will again. Good to see you posting by the way –I like your posts.
Prior to Pentecost and the gift of the Spirit, the disciples would likely (esp. Peter) have torn him to shreds. After they began to understand the true message of Jesus, I think a program of inclusive isolationism with the goal of repentance would have been the order of the day. That is, he could still be part of the group, but he doesn’t get to preach or handle the money anymore. Eventually, if he displayed the fruits of the Spirit, he might be restored to some kind of position of service to the glory of God.
Same thing for us today. I have a former pastor in my church who left his church because of his unrepentant adultry many years ago. One day he simply divorced his wife to marry his lover. They have been married 20 years now and are a stable and supportive family in our church. He wants to be a Sunday school teacher, but has never publicly repented of his sinful actions. So, he can be a part of the healing faith community, but he cannot hold the position of teaching others.
What about Judas in other situations . . . work? social?
you know . . . not church and not asking for forgiveness . . .
B-Dog–uhm. . .if he’s still married to the woman he left his wife for that’s not a situation where he can “eventually work his way back into being a stable member of the church.” He needs to leave her and return to his wife. Period. Unless his wife is dead, and then it gets complicated. Barring that what that dude needs is a big boot, man.
As for Judas, man. . . that’s tough. Christ’s love can cover any sin, so as long as he repents and displays the fruit of repentance, I think we’re under obligation to love him. If he doesn’t repent and doesn’t show the fruit of repentance, then I think the clear scriptural command is to put him out from us, handing him over to Satan for scourging.
Outside the church is yet another story. I’m not quite sure how it goes. . .If someone betrays you hardcore and never apologizes then I don’t see how the relationship can continue. That’s a stopper for me. You should probably confront them on it and seek some kind of resolution. At that point, if the person hates your guts, then I think the relationship is over. If they repent and apologize, then there’s a chance it’s not. If they fake repentance, then you just want to punch them–and it’s something you have to guard against. Clear as mud?
Thank you for the thoughtful replies. None really cover the situation in question.
Was Judas’ death a bessing to the early church? Would his life have been a prickle to early evangelism? (It all happened in accordace with prohpesy, but still . . . what if?)
Judas remains.
Madness!