In 1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed as spies. They were found guilty of betraying the United States to the Russians. Certainly that kind of betrayal is regrettable, but it pales in comparison to the way Judas betrayed the Lord Jesus. Here is what we read in Matthew Chapter 26 about his disloyalty: “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.” Jesus selected Judas to be his disciple knowing he would be disloyal. Some say Jesus made a special trip to his tiny town, Kerioth, to recruit him. The Bible reveals Judas as self-centered, devious, and greedy for money. While the betrayal was part of God’s sovereign plan, it was still Judas’ choice to turn on our Lord. Perhaps he was upset Jesus did not destroy Rome and set up his earthly kingdom. Today, his fate is a warning to those who follow Jesus for what they can get but are not truly committed to Him in their hearts.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
