Throughout history, there have been numerous famous traitors. Benedict Arnold is the American soldier who went over to the British during the Revolutionary War. Marcus Brutus betrayed and stabbed his good friend Julius Caesar. Robert Hanssen sold lists of FBI moles and double agents to the KGB for large sums of money. Aldrich Ames began selling secrets to the Russians in 1985. He earned 4.6 million dollars for his betrayal. He is also the person responsible for 100 compromised military operations, revealing every US agent in operation against Russia, and the execution of 10 Americans because their covers were blown.
The list of well-known traitors goes on, but the most infamous betrayal of all time is found in the Bible: Judas of Iscariot. He was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus…but he betrayed the Son of God! Appearing spiritual to others is not equal to genuine spirituality. Genuine spirituality requires godly character, and godly character is a work that starts from the inside out.
Let’s look at the disciple named Judas and see the havoc his poor character wreaked on his life.
Matthew 10:2-4
The gospel of Matthew was written decades after Jesus’ earthly ministry. It is interesting to note that the Holy Spirit is sure to point out Judas’ character in his introduction (“who also betrayed Him”). It is also important to remember that even though Judas betrayed Jesus, he still functioned as one of Jesus’ main disciples for at least 2 years. This means Judas:
o Traveled with the other disciples and Jesus
o Watched Jesus perform miracles
o Heard Jesus preach
This would be similar to a modern-day believer faithfully going to church, serving in the local church, and being witness to God powerfully answering the prayers of the church family. All these outward Christian signs are a Biblical part of the believer’s life; however, there must be a greater depth to the believer’s life than just outward signs and practices!
John 12:1-6
Judas was also the “treasurer” of the group for Jesus’ earthly ministry. John 12:1-6 tells us Judas watched over the finances and was not an honest treasurer. Did you notice in John 12:4 that once again Judas is labeled as the one who betrays Jesus? The Holy Spirit is sure to point out Judas’ poor character repeatedly in John 12:4-6. (i.e.- he betrayed; he was a thief; he was selfish; he had impure motives). Take note that the Holy Spirit (the scriptures) is clear on the character of Judas.
Matthew 26:14-16
When we come to this text, we already know:
…that the Pharisees had previously decided to kill Jesus.
…that they didn’t want to murder Jesus in daylight because too many people were in Jerusalem for the Passover Feast.
…that Jesus was popular with the people and the Pharisees feared a riot.
…that with 100’s of 1,000’s of pilgrims in Jerusalem at this time, they couldn’t easily track Jesus at night. They didn’t know where He would be. So, Judas became useful to the chief priests at this point (Matt. 26:14-16). He promises to lead the chief priests to Jesus under the cover of darkness, and away from witnesses.
Matthew 26:47-50
This passage shows Judas leading the mob to arrest Jesus. Why did Judas betray Jesus? Many commentators believe there are three possible reasons (historians and conjecture draw additional possible reasons, but they are not supported in scripture and ought to be considered more like opinions with no supporting scriptural evidence).
1. Because of greed. Judas was known as a thief (John 12:4-6). His true character finally came to light…the kind of character he had all along. He was finished with being a disciple and the Pharisees would pay well. So, he took advantage of the situation.
2. Because of Satanic influence. Luke 22:3 and John 13:27 both mention Satan entered into Judas which would indicate his betrayal was influenced by Satan.
3. Because it was part of God’s plan. John 17:12 says, “…none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” Psalm 41:9 (cf. Jn. 13:18), Psalm 109:8 (cf. Acts 1:20), and Zechariah 11:12-13 (cf. Matt. 26:14-16; 27:3-10) all prophecy of Judas’ betrayal. The betrayal led to the crucifixion and the crucifixion led to the resurrection.
Matthew 27:3-5
Judas’ response to his own choice was overflowing with deep mourning and conviction! After Jesus had been convicted by the Sanhedrin and brought to the Romans for execution, Judas had a change of heart, but it was too late. The outcomes of poor character are now on full display!
“If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.”—D. L. Moody
"No man can climb beyond the limitations of his own character.”—John Morley
"Character is doing what's right when nobody's looking."—J. C. Watts Jr.
“The test of a man’s character is what it takes to stop him.”—Bob Jones Sr.
Character is formed one thought, one desire, one choice, one habit at a time. Look at Judas’ character:
Judas was known as a thief.
He was known as greedy
He was known as a traitor
He was known for his selfish acts
But He was also known as a disciple of Jesus
We have said for some time now that our thoughts form our desires, our desires form our choices, our choices form our habits, and our habits form our character. If we truly want to pursue a godly character, we must examine our thought life! Let’s end this study with 7 crucial choices that challenge the way we think and help us form godly character.
1. Protect your heart against sinful desires. Judas had a love of money (Jn. 12:6) and an unbridled ambition that made him susceptible to temptation. The believer must examine his/her motives and longings daily and seek the Lord to sanctify his/her heart. (Ps. 139:23-24)
2. Stay genuinely close to Jesus. Judas had an outward appearance that did not match the condition of his heart. Any believer can have an outward appearance that seems “spiritual,” but the inner heart is actually carnal. A genuinely deep relationship with Jesus is the target for godly character. Sharpen the focus on transforming only what Jesus knows and sees, instead of conforming to an appearance that mankind lifts up. (Jn. 15:4-5)
3. Embrace humility and repent without hesitation. Judas would embrace despair and isolation instead of repentance (Matt. 27:3-5). The believer pursuing godly character will turn back to God after failure (Jas. 4:6; I Jn. 1:9).
4. Be aware that sin is deceitful. Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was far more than one grand decision. There were many small choices that hardened his heart gradually and the same thing can happen with us today. Sin seems exciting and fulfilling; however, scripture warns us that sin will deceive and harden our hearts (Heb. 3:13). One pursuing a godly character will be sure to make small choices as godly choices each day.
5. Develop accountability and wise counsel. The disciples did not know Judas’ true character. We know his character because the Bible reveals it to us. Judas’ isolation meant his true thoughts and actions were hidden. For example, he was stealing from them, and he went to the chief priests in secret. One with a godly character will have godly people speaking truth into their lives. (Prov. 27:17)
6. Eternal values take priority over earthly advantages. Judas exchanged eternal treasure (Jesus) for 30 pieces of silver. The believer with a godly character will value God’s eternal kingdom (Matt. 6:33) over temporary worldly advantages. (Matt. 6:19-21)
7. Depend on the Spirit of God for power. Godly character is too important and too challenging to develop in our own strength. This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit…and Holy Spirit transformation of the believer starts a change from within and eventually reveals His work for all to see. (Gal. 5:22-23)
Judas’ selfish acts and resisting of God only brought tremendous conviction, remorse, and mourning! Poor character brings grief. Godly character starts from the inside out. (Prov. 23:7; Matt. 6:21)! When responsibility out paces godly character, a believer will fall. We must stop fooling ourselves into thinking that sinful choices aren’t “that bad.” Believer… has the way you think or rehearse in your mind each day been challenged today? Turn with honesty and transparency to the Lord, even in the smallest of matters, and seek His forgiveness, His grace to forsake, and biblically prioritize your thought life.