J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH by John Norton Loughborough

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 30, 1913

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

By John Norton Loughborough

Judas—No. 1

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

HAVING read the various statements from the spirit of prophecy concerning the case of Judas, I have arranged them in the order of their occurrence, and present them, as follows:—

“While Jesus was preparing the disciples for their ordination, one who had not been summoned urged his presence among them. It was Judas Iscariot, a man who professed to be a follower of Christ. He now came forward, soliciting a place in this inner circle of disciples. With great earnestness and apparent sincerity, he declared, ‘Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.’ Jesus neither repulsed nor welcomed him, but uttered only the mournful words: ‘The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.’ [See Matt. 8: 19, 20, and “Spirit of Prophecy,” Vol. II, page 202.] Judas believed Jesus to be the Messiah; and by joining the apostles, he hoped to secure a high place in the kingdom. This hope Jesus designed to cut off by the statement of his poverty.

“The disciples were anxious that Judas should become one of their number. He was of commanding appearance, a man of keen discernment and executive ability, and they commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist him in his work. They were surprised that Jesus received him so coolly.”—“Desire of Ages,” trade edition, page 339.

“The fact that Judas was numbered among the twelve, with all his faults and defects of character, is an instructive lesson, one by the study of which Christians may be profited. When Judas was chosen by our Lord, his case was not hopeless. He had some good qualities. In his association with Christ in the work, by listening to his discourses, he had a favorable opportunity to see his wrongs, to become acquainted with his defects of character, if he really desired to be a true disciple. He was even placed in a position by the Lord where he could have his choice either to develop his covetous disposition or to see and correct it. He carried the little means collected for the poor, and for the necessary expenses of Christ and the disciples in their work of preaching. This little money was to Judas a continual temptation, and from time to time, when he did a little service for Christ, or devoted a little time to religious purposes, he paid himself out of the meager fund collected to advance the light of the gospel.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IV, pages 41, 42.

“Judas was highly regarded by the disciples and had great influence over them. He himself had a high opinion of his own qualifications, and looked upon his brethren as greatly inferior to him in judgment and ability. They did not see their opportunities, he thought, and take advantage of circumstances. The church would never prosper with such short-sighted men as leaders. Peter was impetuous; he would move without consideration. John, who was treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ’s lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier. Matthew, whose training had taught him accuracy in all things, was very particular in regard to honesty; and he was ever contemplating the words of Christ, and became so absorbed in them that, as Judas thought, he could not be trusted to do sharp, far-seeing business. Thus Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager. Judas regarded himself as the capable one, who could not be overreached. In his own estimation he was an honor to the cause, and as such he always represented himself.”—“Desire of Ages,” trade edition, pages 855, 856.

“Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter. Christ’s discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning-point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, ‘Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.’ He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly food. He regarded himself as far-sighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that he could bestow no high position upon his followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.

“From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ.”—Id., page 858.

“The heart of Judas had not suddenly grown thus base and corrupt. His love of mammon, like any vice which is left unchecked, had daily grown stronger, until it overbalanced his love for the Saviour, and he had become an idolater. His mind had become debased by covetousness; and a man who is enslaved by avarice is in danger of going to any lengths in crime.

“Judas, with the rest of the twelve, had been privileged to listen to the teachings of Jesus, and to witness his acts of sacrifice for the benefit of men. He had noted his forbearance and patience; that when weary, hungry, and pressed upon by the multitude of poor and afflicted, he had pitied their cries and turned none away unrelieved. Judas had seen him perform miracles in giving health to the dying and joy to the despairing. He himself had felt in his person the evidences of his divine power. But when men reject light, and blindly follow their natural inclinations, they are led into darkness, and the plainest facts are unheeded. Judas was naturally avaricious, and he had fostered this evil propensity, until it had become the ruling motive of his life.”—“Spirit of Prophecy,” Vol. III, page 82.

“The discussions which frequently arose among the disciples as to which of them should be the greatest, were generally created by Judas. . . . This spirit led to the request of James and John that one might sit at the right hand of Christ, and the other on his left, in his kingdom.”—Mrs. E. G. White, in Review of Oct. 5, 1897.

Lodi, Cal.