__ written for the first Issue of Charisma (a newsletter of KWS/HYD)
It is still a mystery as to why Judas betray Jesus only to repent for his action after a short while. Greed could have consumed him; jealousy could have stirred the betrayal, but it was not a momentary decision as it was properly planned and executed till the final kiss, famously known as the 'Judas' kiss' or the 'kiss of betrayal.'
Was Judas playing a role in God's bigger project of redeeming mankind or was Judas succumbing to Satan's temptation? Jesus said, "Woe to that man who betrays the son of man! it would be better for him if he had not been born (Mark 14:21). In Judas Iscariot by Warren Wiersbe, he rightly wrote, "...God in His wisdom was able, as always, to manipulate even Satan's rebellion for the benefit of mankind. Satan helped send Jesus to the cross, and on the cross sin and death were defeated..."
In my limited understanding of the event, it is a clear indication that we can be amongst the community of God, actively involved in all Church matters without having a personal relationship with Christ. His action make us doubt his spiritual stance, of whether he was really convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Moreover, money, power and greed since time immemorial have been an enemy to the foundation of all institutions including the Church. A devout Christian therefore needs to be "... wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove."
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