Purpose is such a hot topic in the church these days.  However, we never think of purpose in negative terms. We are trying to find out what God wants us to do.  We never think we could fall into the category with the one who found his purpose was to betray.  I am speaking of Judas Iscariot.

Unfortunately, Judas had the characteristics that allowed him to be chosen to betray a friend, a teacher, the savior of the world.  Jesus knows who we are, he knows if we will receive him or not. He knows the heart.  The key thought for me is that Jesus chose Judas as one of the twelve, knowing that Judas was the one to fulfill scripture.  “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me,” Psalm 41:9.  Judas was in a position of trust as the treasurer of the group, but Jesus knew one day he would be betrayed by Judas.  It is so important to know the people that surround you in ministry. “Know those who labor among you,” 1 Thessalonians 5:12.

How would you feel knowing that your sole purpose in life is to betray someone, to hinder the purpose of another?  Judas was fine with it at first.  But, after the betrayal, he realized what he had done and felt bad about it. (Matthew 27:3-5) There are some actions that you can never undo.  My question to you, who is the Judas in your group?  Have you recognized the Judas that hangs with you for the sole purpose of hindering your purpose in life?  We all, as Christians, have a call on our lives to do a work for the Kingdom of God.  No matter what that call is, the enemy of our souls, will try everything to get us off course.  Even if it means sending someone into our lives who seems to want what we want, and seemingly wants to go where we go, and may even have a sincere desire to be in the will of God.  Only time will tell who that person is, but you can know who is for you and who is not.  You can know who has a spirit that is like your spirit.  Nothing has to happen to us without prior warning.  After all, the Spirit of Christ dwells in you.

Jesus had to have a Judas.  It was part of the plan.  Nothing came upon Him unaware.  He knew everything, “I lay down my life for the sheep…No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself.  I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again,” John 10:15-18.  Though he knew betrayal before it happened, He let it happen.  That is the key.  When you realize who your Judas is, will you be willing to allow that person to continue to be a part of your vision, your purpose or, will you rid yourself of him or her?  Is it possible that your purpose cannot be fulfilled without Judas fulfilling his purpose?  Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was key to getting Jesus in position for his work on the cross.

Think about it.  What purpose is your Judas pushing you towards?