Yes, I know they are ducks, and the one I labeled Jesus is in reality a female, but “Work with me people!”

Growing up hearing the story of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus had always bewildered me.  I would often think, how could he do such a thing?  A few years ago, while reading in my quiet time, God shined light upon my curious mind and helped me understand.

Basically it came down to this: Judas Iscariot did not get close to Jesus.  He was a disciple, he heard the teachings, and saw the miracles just like the other disciples, but there was a difference; he never totally accepted who Jesus was as the Son of God.  He never fell in love with Jesus Christ, because he was too far away from him to really get to know him.

Are we the same as Judas Iscariot today?  How close do you follow Jesus?  His teachings, or are you, and I guilty of only following the ones we like, or are easy?  How little would it take for us to betray Jesus, to turn and walk the other way?  A winning lottery ticket?  A promotion?  A really hot person to date, or a trophy wife? (She probably only came in third.)

The one sure way “not” to betray Jesus is to get close to him, and stay there.  To know him personally, and deeply.  To fall in love with him, want to serve him, and follow him no matter what is thrown in front of us, to tempt us, to betray him.  Some of the other disciples went on to die for Jesus, and for the life he showed us how to live.  Judas Iscariot died for himself.