Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, chosen to be close to Him. This means Judas was part of Jesus’ inner circle, trusted with the group’s money, and involved deeply in Jesus’ life and ministry. Judas saw miracles happen right in front of him, like sick people being healed and those without hope finding joy again. Despite all this, Judas’ story took a dark turn when he became the one who betrayed Jesus. How did this happen? It all started with something seemingly small but powerful: offense. Offense is like putting on glasses that only let you see the bad in someone, ignoring all the good they do. Once Judas became offended, his view of Jesus changed drastically. This wasn’t just about feeling upset over a misunderstanding; it’s a deep kind of hurt that can twist our thoughts and feelings.

The Bible warns us about this danger. For example, in James 4:7, it says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This means when we start to feel that twist of offense, we should lean into our faith, not away from it. Similarly, Luke 10:19 tells us, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” This is a reminder that we have the strength to overcome negative thoughts and feelings if we stand strong in our faith. The beginning of Judas’ path to betrayal is captured in a story where Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus with very expensive perfume. This act was meant to show deep respect and love for Jesus. However, Judas criticized this action. In John 12:4-6, Judas asks, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” This question might sound reasonable, but the Bible reveals Judas didn’t really care about the poor. He used to take money for himself from the group’s funds. Jesus’ reply to Judas was profound. He said, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this” (John 12:7).

Jesus was explaining that Mary’s act was significant and timely, as it symbolized preparation for His upcoming death. But Judas couldn’t see the meaning in Mary’s actions. Instead of understanding, he felt offended by what he perceived as a waste and by Jesus’ acceptance of it. This moment was a turning point for Judas. His offense opened a door in his heart that allowed negative thoughts to grow. These thoughts didn’t just stay thoughts for long. They led Judas to make a tragic decision that would be remembered throughout history. In John 13:2, the Bible tells us that during supper, “the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.” This verse shows that Judas’ offense wasn’t just a personal issue; it was a spiritual one. It allowed the devil to work in his heart, leading him to betray Jesus. Judas’ story is a powerful lesson about the dangers of offense. It shows us how important it is to guard our hearts and minds against negative thoughts. When we start feeling offended, it’s a signal to stop and think about what’s really happening. Are we seeing the whole picture? Or are we letting our hurt cloud our judgment? By understanding how offense played a crucial role in Judas’ betrayal, we can learn to be more careful with our own feelings of hurt or anger. It’s a reminder to seek understanding and forgiveness, rather than letting our emotions lead us astray.

—Josh Mullins—

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