We know John as one of the disciples of Jesus, a brother of James, son of Zebedee (Matthew 10:2). They were surnamed Boanerges, which is, the sons of thunder (Mark 3:17). John is distinguished above the other apostles as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John 21:20 (The Desire of Ages, p. 292).
Just as John, we know Judas as one of the disciples of Jesus. Judas was the son of Simon (John 12:4; 13:2), or of Simon Iscariot. The term “Iscariot” is used to distinguish Judas from the other disciple named Judas (Luke 6:16; John14:22). “Judas Iscariot was from Kerioth, in southern Judah. Thus, Judas was a Judean, the only one of the Twelve who was not from Galilee.” –The Reformation Messenger, May 2006, vol.13, No. 5, p.3. We know Judas as a traitor, the one who betrayed the Lord Jesus.
Do we not know these two disciples already? Why then talk about them? Well, “John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be Christ’s followers.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 558. Thus, it is either that you are like John or Judas, or indeed, end up like John or Judas.
Among the most inspiring chapters in the Sacred Writings on the subject of sanctification, with a “case study” is “Transformed by Grace” found in the book The Acts of the Apostles. Those who desire a sanctified life can not afford reading only a portion of that chapter. Of course, the whole story of John in that book begins two chapters before the one aforementioned. It is continued in the last three chapters of the book. Interestingly, The Desire of Ages devotes a full chapter on Judas. It is mainly in light of these two cited chapters, that we study this solemn lesson.
As noted, John and Judas were both connected to, or with Jesus, as disciples. When they joined Him they both had marked defects of character, many besetting sins within them and also bad, unsanctified habits, etc.
“John did not naturally possess the loveliness of character that his later experience revealed. By nature he had serious defects. He was not only proud, self-assertive, and ambitious for honor, but impetuous, and resentful under injury. He and his brother were called ‘sons of thunder.’ Evil temper, the desire for revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 539
“And when His disciples James and John saw this they said, Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” But He turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:54–56
John and his brother, through their mother, presented a petition:
“Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” Matthew 20:21–22
“And John answered Him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he followed not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me. For he that is not against us is on our part. . . And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in Me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” Mark 9:38–40, 42
In all the cases the requests or reports were met with stern rebuke from the Saviour. These events revealed John’s impure character.
Judas also had an imperfect character like John. Let us read some portions from the book The Desire of Ages:
“The small sums that came into his hands were a continual temptation. Often when he did a little service for Christ, or devoted time to religious purposes, he paid himself out of this meager fund. In his own eyes these pretexts served to excuse his action; but in God’s sight he was a thief.” p. 717
“Judas was treasurer for the disciples, and from their little store he had secretly drawn for his own use, thus narrowing down their resources to a meager pittance. He was eager to put into the bag all that he could obtain.” p. 559
“Judas had naturally a strong love for money.” p. 716
When Mary performed the lovely gesture of anointing Jesus with oil, he tried to secure its value if it were sold under the pretext of helping the poor. But Jesus rebuked him saying: “For the poor always ye have with you; but Me ye have not always.” John 12:8
It is fearful that a similar history is repeating itself again. Today some members in the church still rob God in tithes and offerings! Others engage in exacting business, making more profit than required!
“Notwithstanding the Savior’s own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. . .” “He hoped to secure a high position in the new kingdom. . .” “The desire for supremacy had taken hold of the disciples. “When the disciples entered the supper room, their hearts were full of resentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ on the left side; John was on the right. . .” “In choosing his position at table, [he] had tried to place himself first . . .” “If there was a highest place, Judas was determined to have it, and that place was thought to be next to Christ. . .” “At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about.
Further, “he would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them.” –The Desire of Ages, pp. 718, 293, 644, 645, 718, 719
Why did Jesus recruit and employ such people in His service? Well, as we are about to read, that is the principle of Jesus.
“God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image.” – Ibid, p.294
The opportunity to be transformed is given to everyone. Grace has been given in order for us to separate from sin.
“Like his associate, Judas professed to be a disciple of Christ, but he possessed only a form of godliness. He was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ; and often, as he listened to the Savior’s words, conviction came to him, but he would not humble his heart or confess his sins. By resisting the divine influence he dishonored the Master whom he professed to love. John warred earnestly against his faults; but Judas violated his conscience and yielded to temptation, fastening upon himself more securely his habits of evil. The practice of the truths that Christ taught was at variance with his desires and purposes, and he could not bring himself to yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from heaven. Instead of walking in the light, he chose to walk in darkness. Evil desires, covetousness, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts, were cherished until Satan gained full control of him. – Acts of the Apostles, p. 557–558
“In connecting this man [Judas] with Himself, He placed him where he might, day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would banish the demon of selfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God. . . .
“Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples. He listened to the same precious lessons. But the practice of the truth, which Christ required, was at variance with the desires and purposes of Judas, and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from Heaven.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 294
“Judas had indulged avarice until it overpowered every good trait of his character. –Ibid, p. 564
“He did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. . . . [until] He was possessed by a demon, and he resolved to complete the work he had agreed to do in betraying his Lord.” –Ibid, p. 716, 645
John, on the other hand, warred earnestly against his faults.
“The lessons of Christ, setting forth meekness and humility and love as essential to growth in grace and a fitness for His work, were of the highest value to John. He treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the divine pattern. John had begun to discern the glory of Christ—not the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but ‘the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14.
“The depth and fervor of John’s affection for his Master was not the cause of Christ’s love for him, but the effect of that love. John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ he did become meek and lowly. Self was hid in Jesus. Above all his companions, John yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, ‘The life was manifested, and we have seen it.’ ‘And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.’ 1 John 1:2; John 1:16. John knew the Saviour by an experimental knowledge.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 544
“Such transformation of character as is seen in the life of John is ever the result of communion with Christ. There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Christ, the power of divine grace transforms and sanctifies him. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, he is changed from glory to glory, until he is like Him whom he adores.” –Ibid, p. 559
A synopsis of the end of Judas indicates the following.
“As the trial drew to a close, Judas could endure the torture of his guilty conscience no longer. Suddenly a hoarse voice rang through the hall, sending a thrill of terror to all hearts: He is innocent; spare Him, O Caiaphas!
“The tall form of Judas was now seen pressing through the startled throng. His face was pale and haggard, and great drops of sweat stood on his forehead. Rushing to the throne of judgment, he threw down before the high priest the pieces of silver that had been the price of his Lord’s betrayal. Eagerly grasping the robe of Caiaphas, he implored him to release Jesus, declaring that He had done nothing worthy of death. Caiaphas angrily shook him off, but was confused, and knew not what to say. . . .
“‘I have sinned,’ again cried Judas, ‘in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.’ But the high priest, regaining his self-possession, answered with scorn, ‘What is that to us? see thou to that.’ Matthew 27:4. . . .
“Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Savior did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. . . .
“Judas saw that his entreaties were in vain, and he rushed from the hall exclaiming, It is too late! It is too late! He felt that he could not live to see Jesus crucified, and in despair went out and hanged himself.
“Later that same day, on the road from Pilate’s hall to Calvary, there came an interruption to the shouts and jeers of the wicked throng who were leading Jesus to the place of crucifixion. As they passed a retired spot, they saw at the foot of a lifeless tree, the body of Judas. It was a most revolting sight. His weight had broken the cord by which he had hanged himself to the tree. In falling, his body had been horribly mangled, and dogs were now devouring it. His remains were immediately buried out of sight.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 721–722
Of John we know he wrote one of the gospels that bears his name, the three letters, and the Revelation of Jesus Christ. He reached a high level in spirituality and challenged sin: “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” 1 John 3:6. We also can reach that level.
For everyone, my prayer is that we will use this time to decide to be overcomers in the battle against evil. What we do today will determine our fate tomorrow; and if we wait, then it might be too late. As we are about to enter the New Year it is of crucial importance to consider our past, and with the help of Jesus, change. The question is: John or Judas? May the Lord help us to be, and end up like John, remains my wish and prayer. AMEN.
Joel L. J. Msiska