Dec. 25, 2006       Extreme Failure: The Betrayal of Christ 3   Kathleen Maples

Joh 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

Joh 18:13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

The name Caiaphas means depression. They led Jesus off to the high priest, and Peter follows Him from afar off, even into the palace of the high priest. Another of the Lord's disciples follows Him, too, and this one is unidentified in the Scripture, but it's speculated to be John. Jesus is led into the midst of a group of angry, hostile religious leaders and men, and they began to accuse and rail on Him.

Joh 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

Joh 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

There are servants, and officers in the palace, and they are aware of Jesus' presence, and the furor that has arisen because of the hostility of the religious leaders. The servants are Jewish, they surely know the position of the religious leaders, and the law they have heard in the synagogue. Because of the uproar that had erupted over Jesus and His teaching, and His miracles, they surely knew who He was. They had likely seen Him with the disciples around Jerusalem before. He was known to them. They had probably heard many things of Him. Peter walks in, being ushered in at the request of the unnamed disciple who was known unto the high priest. There is a flurry of activity as servants move about. The palace is crowded with the chief priests and scribes, others called in as possible witness for this kangaroo court being hastily thrown together in the night. Peter is stunned by the recent events that have taken place in the past few hours. He is afraid, on edge, confused, extremely upset, and unsure what to do, or what was going to happen. Yet, there was something in Peter's heart that loved Him, and had to see what would happen. He did not get close, his sword was put away. Perhaps the fight had drained out of him. Perhaps he was just tired, confused, and very intimidated, and afraid. Yet he still summoned enough courage to follow the Lord afar off, and went to see what would happen. Gone was his earlier bravado when he had boldly stated he was ready to go to jail or die for the Lord, that he would never forsake Him. When the girl who kept the door questioned Peter about being one of the Lord's disciples, he probably felt like he'd been put on the spot. I can imagine Peter inhaling sharply, tensing at her question. I can imagine the rapid firing of his thoughts racing through his mind, and the fear of being identified with Jesus, because of what was taking place in the palace, just feet away, within earshot and eyesight, gripped his heart. He surely could not believe this was happening. He was probably angry. How could Jesus let them do this to Him? Remember, everything that Jesus had taught Peter was being severely tested. He had taken Peter from the fishing nets, from the peaceful life of fishing the seas with his brother and dad, and selected him to be a disciple and servant to others. He had torn down what the scribes and Pharisees had taught Peter his whole life of the law, the Old Testament writings of the prophets and men of God exposing the leaven in their doctrine. Surely, this wasn't how it was supposed to be. He wasn't strong enough or confident enough to defend, to stand up in the middle of such adversity. He is staring into the fire, trying to warm his hands, because it's cold, and he's most likely angry, and upset. He knows now Judas was the one who betrayed the Lord. He probably doesn't understand why. I would imagine he's very angry because the Lord let this happen,and did nothing to stop himself from being arrested. His mind is under attack from the same devil that deceived Judas. He hears the accusations, he hears the Lord saying nothing in His own defense, and Peter's carnal mind rebels. Now she's asking him if he is one of the Lord's. This definitely was more than Peter had bargained for. He probably felt like he couldn't believe this was happening. To see the Lord meekly submit to such evil, such brutality, probably offended him and made him angry and left him bewildered. I wonder if he thought of those who walked away, when the Lord was talking to them about eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

" NO! I am NOT one of HIS disciples!" he tells her. I believe he was speaking out of anger, confusion, and fear.

Mar 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

Mar 14:56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.

Mar 14:57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

Mar 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

Mar 14:59 But neither so did their witness agree together.

The most important of the priests, the whole council of elders and the scribes, all the religious leaders are there determined to put an end to the presence of the Lord in Judea. They had had just about enough of Him. He made them look bad. By His very presence He exposed them for the hypocritical frauds they were. Can you see Him standing there, in the midst of an angry, hostile crowd of men, knowing only two of His disciples had the courage to follow Him there, and both were too cowed to speak up in His defense. Peter could hear the clamor all around, with the voices of those seeking accusation against the Lord ringing out loud with malice and frustration. There were many willing to lie, but they couldn't get their stories straight, or make it sound plausible. They openly wanted Jesus dead. They wanted to have false witnesses who could convince the Romans that Jesus deserved to die.

Joh 18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

Joh 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

Don't you know that when they asked Jesus about His disciples, Peter's ears pricked up, waiting to see what would be said. This concerned himself, you know. He was fighting a hard battle, just being here. In spite of the fear, there was an overwhelming need to know what was happening with and to Jesus. He loved Jesus. He could not believe what they were saying and trying to do to Him. Everything was spinning out of control and he found himself in this nightmare, unable to wake up and make it stop. This day had began so peacefully, and there was the wonderful fellowship during the passover, and the foot washing. Jesus had revealed so many wonderful things to them about the help and provision the Lord had made for them, and the Comforter that would come, which Peter surely could have used at this time.

Joh 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

Joh 18:21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

He deflects their attention from the disciples and back to Himself. There were many more than just the disciples who heard what Jesus had to teach. He had never done things in secret. There was no conspiracy. His ministry and teaching was public. He had also, many times, spoken even to the Pharisees who would come and challenge Him and chide with Him concerning points of law. They were always trying to trip Jesus up. He basically looks at them and says "What do you mean, what was I teaching? I spoke openly in the temple and many Jews were there. (Probably many of the Jews that were also here now as well, and He knew it.) They all know what I said. That didn't set too well with somebody nearby, because someone lashed out at Him and struck Him. "Who do you think you are to talk to the High Priest that way?"

Remember, this is their Matchless Creator standing there. The very One who held their breath in His gentle hands. Oh, thank God for being so merciful, so long suffering with people. What humility and meekness this required on the part of our Savior. What restraint. Can't you just imagine the angels that were on the scene, watching this drama unfold, wanting to stop this undeserved abuse of the Son of God. These people were angry, all riled up and out for blood. His Blood. Father in heaven, please never let let a religious spirit get a hold of me. It's so dangerous when we place more value on our own ideas and rules and regulations of what is right instead of going to the Word and prayer and asking Him, "Lord, have I got it right? Search me, Oh, Lord, and see if I have been molded and fashioned by You, and Your Word, and Your Spirit. Or have I been fashioned by men's traditions and rules and ideas? If I have been fashioned by men's ideas, burn them out of me like the chaff they are!

Joh 18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

Joh 18:24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

Here Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lord, King of Kings, stands, trying to reason quietly, with His hands bound, meekly answering these rude, obnoxious, and unreasonable people, who mean to destroy Him, yet He doesn't lose His temper or His cool. And Peter, standing not far off, hearing and seeing this exchange, is being sifted. His mind is being violently agitated and the enemy of his soul is trying his best to provoke unbelief and despair and outrage in his heart because he means to destroy him.

Joh 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

Joh 18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

Right about then, Peter may have been regretting his impulse and need to follow the Lord here to see what was happening. Jesus was being assaulted, buffeted, spit on, cursed at, mocked and scorned. Don't you know it was torture for him to watch and hear? I can imagine him turning his back to this horrible scene in despair, with the hostile ranting at Jesus viciously pounding his ears. I can see things go silent for a moment and Peter turning again to see what is happening, and someone suddenly gets in the face of the Lord, and spits in his face, and I can sense the fury and utter helplessness of Peter welling up in him. Peter had to feel like everything had been turned upside down. And he had cut a man's ear off, and watched the Lord heal it. Malchus was a servant of the high priest. Peter had assaulted him with a deadly weapon and injured him. Jesus had graciously, healed the man and reattached his ear. Again, Peter was put on the spot, and denied the Lord twice more.

Luk 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

Luk 22:59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

Luk 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

Luk 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Can you imagine? He was exhausted, physically, mentally, and worn down. He was cold, and afraid, and confused. His mind was being sifted, under great attack that he was not able to endure with his own carnal mind. He spoke rashly. The rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked directly at Peter. I imagine there was concern, and compassion in His wondrous gaze. He, too, was being sifted, and tried. He, too, was under great attack, only more severe. Remember, He told Peter that Satan had desired to sift him as wheat, and Jesus had prayed for him that his faith fail him not. Jesus knew what was happening to Peter. He knew it before it happened, and forewarned His disciple.

Luk 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Now Peter felt as much a traitor as Judas. He was overwhelmed with grief, fear and shame at himself. He honestly thought he'd be able to endure and follow Jesus through hell or high water. His flesh had failed him miserably. Ours will, too. We love the Lord, we want to serve Him, but our own flesh and carnal mind will fight us every step of the way. We too have an adversary who will try to weigh our minds down with very convincing lies to try to keep us from trusting in the Lord, and His great power to keep us, and His great love for us. Remember, He told the disciples "Watch and pray, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." How true!!!! We can be in step with the Lord, walking with Him, praising Him, loving Him, and then something bad happens that begins to challenge everything we've been taught from the Word. The enemy will begin to lie and say if we were really God's child He would help us and this wouldn't have happened. What about the Pastor who comes home from preaching the pure Gospel to find his home burned to the ground? Does this mean God is not faithful? No. What about the saint whose child is stricken with cancer and dies? Does this mean God is not good and still loves that saint? No. We can't possibly understand why things like this happen. Why do people who love the Lord and wish to serve Him and try with all their hearts suffer? There is a lost and dying world out there, suffering even more, that needs to see the power of God on display to keep His children in their hard times. There are those hell bound around God's children who need to see the grace and mercy of God to faithful children He trusts enough to allow them to suffer. He knew Job would not betray Him. He knew Job would not forsake Him. And his testimony is still encouraging the children of God today. His testimony exposes the devices of the devil and how he comes against our minds, how he comes at us through family, and friends, to challenge and condemn us and try to shake our faith. Peter, like Judas, had betrayed the Lord. But there is one difference-Peter didn't sell him out. Peter was bitterly, terribly sorry. He was overcome by fear. He did not go behind the Lord's back and plot with His enemies to betray Him. Peter just failed the testing fires. He was afraid, and he was weak when in a hard situation. His betrayal was not premeditated.

Luk 22:63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.

Luk 22:64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

Many had their false accusations. They took what Jesus said and twisted His words, and tried to openly misrepresent what He said. Jesus is standing, of His own free will, in their midst, enduring their lies, their hostility, and they are so incompetent they can't even get their act together to convict Him. He knows He must die. He sees they are unable to make a firm case against Him. They are so deceived, so blinded by their religion and their hate. Things are getting nowhere fast and it's almost time for the Passover. They have been here all night. He's tired in body. He's battered, bruised, and torn. He's has suffered such indignity of these wicked men. When He answers them, He knows before the Word comes out of His mouth it will infuriate them, and give them something to take to Pilate. But He must speak the truth. But why this truth? He could and would not deny who He was. He did not go around bragging about it, but He would not deny Himself or His Father.

Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

It had its effect. There was such drama. Those who were blaspheming the Holy Son of God accused Him of blasphemy. The high priest dramatically rips his clothes, this is what he's been waiting for, hoping for. All the liars couldn't get their stories straight. But this Word from the Son of God infuriated them. I can see the high priest, who is supposed to look out for and intercede for the people before God with humility, so puffed up with religious pride, and arrogant self-importance, dramatically rip his clothes, like he loves the law, you know. This Man has just violated my religious rules, and regulations! He deserves to die. They literally went off on Jesus, spitting in His precious face, hitting Him, hurting Him, mocking Him. He did not try to fight back. He endured. He trusted the Father for strength. He was full of the Holy Ghost. I had never fully realized before how helpless they were to really indict the Son of God. He submitted all the way. When they couldn't get their feeble little stories straight, He gives them a Word of truth, and they can't handle it. It enrages them to think of HIM ruling over them. They can't see Him for who He is. They don't want to see. He come to free people from the religious pride and oppression. He come to free people from the bondage of sin, poverty of spirit and shame. He come that we might have life,that we might have the Spirit of God to prepare us for Heaven. He come to deliver mankind from the evil clutches of Satan. He come for all the right reasons, to a people who did not want His deliverance. Oh, I am so thankful for His mercy.

Joh 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Now, I want to share this verse with you from another translation:

(AUV-NT) Then, early in the morning they led Jesus from Caiaphas to [governor Pilate’s] headquarters. But the Jewish authorities would not enter it, because [if they had] they would have become ceremonially unclean, and could not eat the Passover meal. [Note: This was because they regarded a Gentile house as defiling].

They had spent the greatest part of the night falsely accusing this Man who threatened their power base, and their self-image. They had abused Him, mocked Him, treated Him very inhumanely, had openly (and I might add incompetently) conspired to bring liars to testify against Him so they could have Him put to death and they are worried about defiling themselves by entering into a Gentile's house. Remember when Jesus warned how they would swallow a camel while straining at a gnat? It's a terrible thing to focus so much on looking the part, determining to enter in your own way, while neglecting the issues that would pollute the heart, the inner temple of the Lord, and not realize what you are doing. When we are more concerned with our own self image, and how people perceive us than what the Lord sees when He turns His holy eyes toward us and peers down into our hearts, we are in trouble. I thank God for the mercy He's shown me. A Pharisee is the last thing I want to be. You can look holy and be very unclean in the sight of God. One thing is certain, when we get a vision of the Lord, through His Word, through the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, teaching us who HE is, we can't help but really see ourselves, and loathe ourselves. Then we see how far short we really fall even on our best day, and the depth of His mercy and grace toward us becomes blindingly apparent. Since we fall so far short, how can we be harsh and critical toward others? Who are we to judge others? Who are we to determine in our minds, without being able to know their heart, or walk in their shoes, and criticize them for doing something? Unless it is blatant sin, and open rebellion, it's best to remember God is the Judge, and He alone knows their heart, and is able to make them stand before Him like Jude said in Jude 24. If we see someone err, we aren't supposed to tear them to bits with our tongues or debate their flaws with one another, we are supposed to pray for mercy for them. Lord, how did I get on this? Peter failed the Lord miserably but he still loved the Lord. He was so ashamed of what he'd done. He never intended to betray the Lord. He thought he had the strength in himself to stand.

But what about Judas? Judas was there in Mark 3 when Jesus gathered and called all the disciples up to the mountain and ordained them to go forth and preach, and heal sickness and cast out devils. He called them all by name. He had spent time in prayer, He knew who each man was, and He knew who would betray Him. He was there when the people were so crowded together to see Jesus, that they couldn't even eat for the crowd. He heard the scribes, those who were to copy and write the law and should know it to teach it to others, they came and accused Jesus of having a devil. Judas watched this. He heard Jesus warn them about eternal damnation. He was there in Mark 14 when that little woman came and she was all broken up, and she humbled herself before a bunch of harsh and critical, judgmental men, and truly, brokenly, worshiped and adored Him. She didn't care how it looked to people. She didn't care that they were offended by her and thought her crazy for taking her valuable alabaster box and pouring out that expensive ointment on Jesus. They didn't stop to wonder why she would do this, why she was crying, why she loved Him so much. They didn't ask what He had done for her that had her so broken up and so willing to pour out the best she had on Him. He only saw the ointment was valuable and considered it a waste to be poured out on Jesus. He could think of many other things he would have done with it, for personal gain. Personal sacrifice was not on Judas' agenda. After seeing this, he began to actively watch for an opportunity to slip away from the others and go betray Jesus to those he knew wanted to stop Him.

Judas was there when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He literally watched this Messiah raise a corpse from the dead-with three words. "Lazarus, Come forth." He saw Jesus cast out devils-again, with His Word. He did not put on a show, or act dramatic. He just spoke a word with power. He was there when Jesus told them they had to eat His flesh and drink His blood, and the other 70 got offended and went away. Many, the Scripture says walked no more with Him. I love what Peter said, "Lord, where else can we go? Thou only hast the words of eternal life." (Joh_6:68) Judas watched a lot of people who also had been commissioned to preach, heal and cast out devils, get offended and walk away. Jesus was telling them this was a walk that would require dedication and sacrifice to the plans and purposes of God. Can't be your own boss. Can't direct your own steps. You had to get close to Him. You had to spend time daily in His presence, eating at His table, learning of Him, and loving Him. I wonder what Judas thought when he saw the others walk away offended.

Mat 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

Mat 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Judas had to be close by in the crowd, as well. He was somewhere watching and listening. He was standing with those who hated Jesus. Scripture doesn't say who all was there, but we know at least two of the other disciples, the chief scribes and Pharisees were there. Judas was there, too. I think he was very surprised by the venom and hostility poured out on Jesus. He had been manipulated, and seduced by the wrong spirit. His betrayal of Christ was premeditated. He was offended by Jesus long before he betrayed Him. I have tried to understand how unselfishness, generosity, compassion, and concern for others could be offensive. How could you could live with and travel with Jesus and watch His ministry, and see the hungry hearts of the poor, and afflicted, and hurting ministered to, and not be moved. How could you see Him reach out to the poor and castoffs of society and not be moved? When he reached out and touched a leper who was untouchable, someone who surely was hurting, lonely and craving human affection,and love. Society had rejected him, but here was this Jesus, with compassionate eyes, and healing hands, reaching out. Was Judas offended at the thought of touching a leper, unable to relate to the man's misery? During the Passover meal, when he was with the others, what went through his mind when Jesus knelt before him and washed his feet? What was going through his mind as he watched the malice directed at the Man he'd betrayed? He was there when Jesus had repeatedly warned that one of them would betray Him. After Jesus healed the boy whose father came with tears and asked the Lord to heal his son and help his unbelief, Judas heard the warnings Jesus gave. Mat_17:22-23.

In Mat_20:18, Jesus took the 12 disciples aside privately, telling them they were headed to Jerusalem and He would be betrayed into the hands of the religious leaders and they would condemn Him to death and mock and scourge and crucify Him. He also told them after 3 days He would rise again.

Mat 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

What did Judas think when Jesus said this? He turned right around asked the Lord, as the other disciples had, "Lord, is it I?" and Jesus said, "Thou hast said." Why would he say that? Why would he ask Jesus that when he already knew he was looking to betray Him? To save face? So he wouldn't be caught red-handed in front of the others? He had seen this Man calm the winds and waves. He had seen so much! How could his heart be so unchanged? And to choose a kiss to betray Him? And I have to examine my own heart here. I look into this awesome, magnificent Word and see things that thrill and delight my soul. But how many times has my flesh recoiled and my carnal mind shied away from the demands of sacrifice and suffering? Self-denial? How many times have my lips praised the Lord while my heart was divided? Oh, I don't want to be like Judas.

Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

And they did. I have heard our Pastor say Judas kissed the Door to heaven and went to hell. Very true. He kissed the Door but he wouldn't go in the Door. He wouldn't go that Way. He heard Jesus tell them He was the Way and the Truth and the Life. But Judas didn't choose that route. We all have a choice to make. It's a straight and narrow way. After everything else, remember during the Passover meal, when the Lord sat at the table with all 12 of them? Judas sat there, with his hands on the table, eating the unleavened bread handed to him by the Son of God, dipped in sauce, hearing Him explain some things to them about the Kingdom, and serving others. Judas heard the Lord express His great desire to eat this meal with them before He had to suffer. (Luk_22:15) but Judas was scheming in his mind about how to slip away from this group and find the enemies of the Lord and make a deal with them. Luke 22 says Judas did it before eating the Passover meal with the 12 and the Lord. But if you go to John 13, you see he didn't actually do it until after he was released by the Lord to go do it. After eating the Passover then Jesus spoke to them all. Can you imagine being in the group of the 12 and hearing the Lord look at you and say this:

Joh 13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

They look at each other, confused, upset, wondering who he was talking about. Peter motions to John to ask the Lord who it is. They all began to say "Lord, is it I?"

Joh 13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

I've been here before, studying these very same Scriptures. I can't seem to get away from them. The word 'give' in the Greek is epididomi and it means to hand over, offer, to hand someone something. He offers Judas bread, which is a type of the living Word of God, dipped in sauce-anointed by the Holy Ghost, unleavened, pure. Nothing puffed up about it-which is what leaven does to bread. But that second word, 'gave' is didomi, and it means to give one back to someone to whom he already belonged. To grant permission. To give to one asking, to let have. That reminds me of Job, when God granted Satan permission to try the faith of Job. When Satan demanded to try the faith of Peter. But, it's a similar word, paradidomi, used in Rom_1:28 when Paul warned them about those who did not like to retain God in their knowledge would then be given over to a reprobate mind. That word means to give into the hands of another, for their power or use; to deliver one up to custody, to be judged, punished, put to death. Judas was offered the Bread of Life, accepted it but did not receive it. The Scripture says in Mark 14:22, "they did eat". I know there has been differences stated in the Passover and the Lord's Supper, which were the same evening, but not at the same time, however close together they occurred, but that is not the focal point of this study.

Joh 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

The word for devil is 'diablos' and means one who slanders, falsely accuses. He had fired the fiery darts into the mind of Judas, and the went to his heart. He meant to put an end to the ministry of Jesus. He would use one of Jesus' own to do it. I don't know how Judas rationalized his decision to turn Jesus over for money to the priests. How did he feel when Jesus washed his feet? Jesus knew who was talking to Judas' mind. Jesus knew what they were going to do. He knew his hearts of all men. Yet, still, he was offering him the bread of life. THAT is pure mercy and grace. Was Judas offended when Jesus knelt before him and washed his feet and then pointed out the example He had set for them, in serving one another? Did that just not set well with Judas, on top of all his other disappointed expectations?

But what, you might ask, does that have to do with you? This is where it gets frightening on a personal level. Everything that happens and is recorded in the Holy Bible has a personal application to our lives-we need hungry hearts, willing and ready minds, make an effort to dig in the Word and see if it approves your life, and ask for Divine Help to see and understand how the Word applies to you. In this case, I had to ask myself a question. Have I gone to His House, sat in His presence, heard His minister speak His Word, under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, and recognized the living Word of God is being handed out, its Truth is being divided among those who are hearing it? How many times have I done that, not really understanding that the Lord is offering His living bread of life to all who would receive it. Have you? What have you done with it? Have you meekly received it as the Authority for your life, understanding because He sovereignly created all life, He is in charge, His Word is Authority, and let Him engraft it into your heart? Have you grabbed it for dear life and hidden it in your heart so you wouldn't sin against Him?

1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

That is how we should receive the Word as we trust it will accomplish what God sends it to do. Have you sat there, letting your mind wander to your troubles, like He's not big enough to handle them, and fretted, burdened with worry and indecision about what you were going to do? Have you sat there thinking on other things, hearing but not receiving the Word of life that is being preached and offered to you? Often we sit there, in our carnality, not understanding if the man in the pulpit is a praying man, and has been given a Word from God for the sheep, and we don't receive it, but entertain other thoughts and impressions in our mind, we are opening ourselves dangerously up to deception. As I was studying these Scriptures, I couldn't help but notice Judas was offered the bread of life, immersed in liquid. Bread, and water. The Word and the anointing of the Holy Ghost of God. Judas took it directly from the hand of the Son of God. But nowhere can I find that it says he ate it. I read Judas ate the Passover. But He did not want to retain the teaching of the Lord in his heart. He did not accept and let the Word change him. If he had, Satan could never have possessed him. The devil wanted to sift Peter. He'd surely probed all the other disciples. I have been studying this, and I can't seem to get away from it. How could Judas NOT be changed by living, traveling and watching Jesus Christ reach out to the poor and hurting among society. How many of us hear the Word preached, are convicted by it, but don't yield to it? We say we know Him, but do we spend time with Him like we need to letting His Word change our hearts and govern our lives? I'm asking myself, too. I keep thinking, Lord, if you were to come right now, and I was faced with the reality of YOU right now, would I be able to stand? Or would I be ashamed? I don't ever think I'm good enough for the Lord. But I love His Word. I dig into it with a desire to know Him. I loathe my failures. I see the promise that He will perfect that which concerns me, and I hold on to that for dear life. He alone is my hope. I am not where I want to be, but I am not backing up or down. He has promised to bring me in, and He is taking me in. His power will win. His truth will conquer everything in me unlike Him, burned like the chaff it is. Without Him, I am nothing. But I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. I do not want to be found like these folks Paul warned Titus about, the Cretians.

Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.