T. E. BOWEN by T. E. BOWEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 19, 1906

T. E. BOWEN

By T. E. BOWEN

Lessons From the Life of Judas — No. 1

T. E. BOWEN

CHRIST left on record in the Word portions of the life history of Judas. This was for a purpose. Lessons were to be drawn from his connection with the apostolic band that were to serve as a warning to others, lest they, too, enter upon the same fateful path that he did. The record of Judas’ life has become a part of the Scriptures given by inspiration of God, and which to us, upon whom the ends of the world have come, are profitable “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

With these thoughts before us, and for the purpose of getting the lessons Christ designed to teach by recording portions of the history of this false disciple, let us enter into a brief study of this record.

First, let us note that no deception was practised upon Christ. He knew from the beginning the heart secrets of every disciple. At the close of his earthly mission, he prayed, “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.”

In making up the little band of men who were to be associated with him in his earthly mission, Jesus chose different types of character. Each represented a class of the race he had come to save. The Master Builder was laying the foundation-stones of his spiritual house. Wisely, energetically, and with masterly skill did he arrange his work, knowing that he was working out one of the most wonderful plans of eternity. He was dealing with a subtle foe. Well did he know that every inch of the ground covered in his earthly work would be contested by that same antagonist with whom he had fought before in heaven.

Judas came from that circle of men who were shrewd, keen, full of worldly ambition, covetous, and self-centered. He was a man of ability, one that wielded an influence among men. He had executive ability. Some most admirable qualities were to be found in Judas, and by no means was he beyond the transforming grace of Christ, had he but yielded his will to the will of his divine Leader. These qualities, unrestrained, unconverted, were what brought the disaster at the end of his career. Because of this failure to humbly yield to Christ, Judas made the earthly work of the Lord extremely difficult.

Of the twelve, four of the disciples were taken as it were into an inner circle of Christ’s confidence, for the purpose of better fitting them for their important stations in after life. These four were Peter, James, John, and Judas—“Judas, in service capable of preeminence above his brethren, yet brooding in his soul purposes of whose ripening he little dreamed,—these [four] were the objects of Christ’s greatest solicitude, and the recipients of his most frequent and careful instruction.”—“Education,” page 86.

Ponder well: Judas had capabilities, and started in not only to be a follower of Christ, but was one of the ordained twelve who were sent forth as workers for Christ. He started in as any other sinful man might do, to become an active servant of God, but there was something in Judas’ life that did not harmonize with the spirit and plans and purposes of the Master. “With Judas an element of antagonism was introduced among the disciples. In connecting himself with Jesus he had responded to the attraction of his character and life. He had sincerely desired a change in himself, and had hoped to experience this through a union with Jesus. But this desire did not become predominant. That which ruled him was the hope of selfish benefit in the worldly kingdom which he expected Christ to establish. Though recognizing the divine power of the love of Christ, Judas did not yield to its supremacy. He continued to cherish his own judgment and opinions, his disposition to criticize and condemn. Christ’s motives and movements, often so far above his comprehension, excited doubt and disapproval, and his own questionings and ambitions were insinuated to the disciples. Many of their contentions for supremacy, much of their dissatisfaction with Christ’s methods, originated with Judas.”—Ibid., pages 91, 92.

It will be seen by this quotation that there was an inner thought in Judas’ mind that he was very essential to the cause. His great business sagacity was needed to guide the little apostolic bark lest it run upon the shoals and suddenly be dashed in pieces. His wise counsel must steady the ark, even though the divine Son was at hand himself. This was the ruinous seed Satan had dropped into the soul of Judas, and little did Judas know what its ripening should mean.

Let us follow one point of controversy between Judas as leader of the disciples, and Christ. Christ taught that his kingdom would not come with outward show. “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you [or among you].” Luke 17: 20, 21.

The Pharisees believed that when Christ came, he would set up an earthly kingdom and free Israel from the Roman yoke. But Jesus taught differently, and the disciples understood it plainly. Yet they would not yield to what the Lord said. He meant exactly what he said when he said it the first time. And had they believed it, and settled down upon it, much trouble for them would have been avoided.

Later, we find them cherishing the same fond plan. Christ had miraculously fed the five thousand. Every tongue was filled with his praise. “Now,” suggested Judas, “has come our time for enthroning the Lord.” By force the disciples planned to proclaim him king before the multitude. “When Jesus perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” John 6: 15.

But still the disciples cherished their false hope. The request is presented for seats at the right and the left of the King in his kingdom. Jesus replied that that was not for him to give. To Pilate he stated what he had taught the disciples: “My kingdom is not of this world.” Later the disciples saw their folly. They learned at last that they had been dealing with One infinite in wisdom, as well as of great power.

Rome, N. Y.