Judas, The Power of a Negative Model
What does the name Benedict Arnold mean to you? How about the name Adolph Hitler? How about Saddam Hussein? Now, how about Judas Iscariot? Names of history carry meaning. We associate the deeds of a life with their reputation and character long after they are gone. The negative actions of the evil doer overshadow any positive characteristics of a life when it is past. Arnold is the traitor, Hitler is a dictator, Hussein is a brutal murderer, and Judas betrayed Jesus.
Judas was once a chosen disciple, a trusted accomplice, and the secretary of the apostles. Listed among the twelve he was chosen from among all his peers to become a disciple of the Messiah. But in the eternal record of the Gospel writers he is identified as Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Jesus (Mat. 10:4; Mk. 3:19; Luk. 6:16). Whatever good he accomplished in life would be forever diminished in the shadows of his transgression. He joined the ranks of the negative role models – this is what not to be like.
Judas carried the money box, tended the finances and distributed to the needs of others. What was intended to be a blessing became a curse. His own greed was illustrated in the rebuke to Mary who bathed the feet of Jesus with a precious ointment. "Why was this fragrant oil not sold … and given to the poor?" he exploded. John revealed his spirit for what it was with an explanation, “This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:5-6).
The leader became a loser. He lost his ministry. He lost his place among the apostles (Acts 1:25). His name is forever removed from the foundations of the Holy City and ranks among high on the litany of the most infamous names of history. The disciple became a devil, “Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve” (Luke 22:3). Even Jesus said, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" (John 6:70).
Every leader has a choice. Become a disciple and submit to the leadership of the Lord or pursue your own passion and betray your calling and ministry. God called leaders can only lead as they follow. Leadership is only possible through continued discipleship.
Learn from the loser. Don’t lose your leadership by following the example of Judas!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #12
Matthew, The Power of an Altered Occupation
“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples” (Matthew 9:9).
From the prominent office along the main thoroughfare Matthew conducted business in Capernaum. All merchants entering this town from the sea were required to pay a toll to transport their goods along the way. Matthew was about as popular in his city as the local IRS agent. Following the customs of the day, tax collectors contracted with the Roman government to be their agents collecting tribute. Any amount they could collect in excess of the required tax went into the deep pockets of the tax collector. It was a system rift with abuse and provoked the intense hatred of their fellow citizens.
When Jesus came by the tax office as He journeyed, He simply called Matthew to “follow me.” In the brief reference of Scripture it appears that Matthew immediately responded, leaving behind his secure position in the city to follow the bidding of this itinerant Rabbi. The radical change in Matthew’s life produced curious interest among his network of unscrupulous colleagues. When Matthew threw a party to announce his new direction in life the house filled. Jesus was there dining with an unlikely guest list. According to the Pharisees they were all “tax collectors and sinners.”
Jesus was not put off by the publicans. He welcomed them and spoke kindly to them in the face of criticism. This was the type of people He had come to affect. He explained to the Pharisees, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Mark 2:17).
The call changed Matthew (Levi) to become a disciple; the publican became a preacher. What an incredible impact the change in his life must have had to others of similar occupations. If Matthew could change, others could change. Perhaps this was the encouragement needed for Zacchaeus, another tax collector that became a believer, to make the pledge to restore all that he had wrongfully taken (Luke 19:8).
Matthew wasn’t the only one who changed occupations. Several of the disciples were fishermen; Jesus made them evangelists, fishers of men! Andrew was John the Baptist’s disciple when he converted to follow Jesus. John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and immediately lost two disciples! Luke was a physician that became an itinerant evangelist, traveling journalist, and the first church historian. Paul was an activist opposing the spread of Christianity. God changed him into the biggest activist for Christ!
When Christ calls, change is on the way!
“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples” (Matthew 9:9).
From the prominent office along the main thoroughfare Matthew conducted business in Capernaum. All merchants entering this town from the sea were required to pay a toll to transport their goods along the way. Matthew was about as popular in his city as the local IRS agent. Following the customs of the day, tax collectors contracted with the Roman government to be their agents collecting tribute. Any amount they could collect in excess of the required tax went into the deep pockets of the tax collector. It was a system rift with abuse and provoked the intense hatred of their fellow citizens.
When Jesus came by the tax office as He journeyed, He simply called Matthew to “follow me.” In the brief reference of Scripture it appears that Matthew immediately responded, leaving behind his secure position in the city to follow the bidding of this itinerant Rabbi. The radical change in Matthew’s life produced curious interest among his network of unscrupulous colleagues. When Matthew threw a party to announce his new direction in life the house filled. Jesus was there dining with an unlikely guest list. According to the Pharisees they were all “tax collectors and sinners.”
Jesus was not put off by the publicans. He welcomed them and spoke kindly to them in the face of criticism. This was the type of people He had come to affect. He explained to the Pharisees, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Mark 2:17).
The call changed Matthew (Levi) to become a disciple; the publican became a preacher. What an incredible impact the change in his life must have had to others of similar occupations. If Matthew could change, others could change. Perhaps this was the encouragement needed for Zacchaeus, another tax collector that became a believer, to make the pledge to restore all that he had wrongfully taken (Luke 19:8).
Matthew wasn’t the only one who changed occupations. Several of the disciples were fishermen; Jesus made them evangelists, fishers of men! Andrew was John the Baptist’s disciple when he converted to follow Jesus. John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and immediately lost two disciples! Luke was a physician that became an itinerant evangelist, traveling journalist, and the first church historian. Paul was an activist opposing the spread of Christianity. God changed him into the biggest activist for Christ!
When Christ calls, change is on the way!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #11
Thomas, The Power of Faith
It might seem odd to associate “doubting Thomas” with the subject of the power of faith. We tend to examine his lack of belief and use him as a negative example when it comes to the subject of faith. However, Thomas is a chosen disciple, one of the Twelve Apostles. If he struggled with faith and was still a chosen disciple then there is hope for us when we are less than perfect in our belief.
Thomas seems naturally to have a negative temperament. When Jesus received news of the terminal condition of Lazarus, it was Thomas who lamented, “Let’s go die with him.” Perhaps Thomas spoke what some of the other disciples were feeling. Maybe in this way he was like Peter. He spoke out loud what others were thinking but were afraid to say.
On another occasion Jesus was talking about His departure. He suggested that the disciples knew where he was going. Thomas plainly stated, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:5-6). If Thomas had not asked the question perhaps we would not have had much of the following discourse of where Jesus was going and His identity of being one with the Father. Sometimes a confession of our doubts or lack of understanding results in greater understanding!
The most famous passages of Thomas contain his confessed unbelief concerning Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. While the other disciples joyously shared their faith after seeing Jesus alive from the grave, Thomas simply could not believe it. He has missed the meeting when Jesus appeared to the disciples and Thomas was unable to accept another’s witness to this miracle. He was emphatic, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).
It was another eight days of restless quandary before Thomas had the opportunity to resolve his questions of faith. Again, the disciples were gathered in a closed room. This time Thomas was present when Jesus appeared. It seemed He came just for Thomas’ benefit. He offered His hands and the scar in His side for inspection that Thomas might believe. It sounds like Thomas did not require such a thorough inspection. Just seeing the Lord and hearing His voice brought full faith to this faltering disciple. He boldly exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The doubter became a believer.
Without condemnation Jesus accepted the worship of Thomas but stated, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). The power of faith allows those of us who have not seen Him still believe that He is alive and well!
It might seem odd to associate “doubting Thomas” with the subject of the power of faith. We tend to examine his lack of belief and use him as a negative example when it comes to the subject of faith. However, Thomas is a chosen disciple, one of the Twelve Apostles. If he struggled with faith and was still a chosen disciple then there is hope for us when we are less than perfect in our belief.
Thomas seems naturally to have a negative temperament. When Jesus received news of the terminal condition of Lazarus, it was Thomas who lamented, “Let’s go die with him.” Perhaps Thomas spoke what some of the other disciples were feeling. Maybe in this way he was like Peter. He spoke out loud what others were thinking but were afraid to say.
On another occasion Jesus was talking about His departure. He suggested that the disciples knew where he was going. Thomas plainly stated, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:5-6). If Thomas had not asked the question perhaps we would not have had much of the following discourse of where Jesus was going and His identity of being one with the Father. Sometimes a confession of our doubts or lack of understanding results in greater understanding!
The most famous passages of Thomas contain his confessed unbelief concerning Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. While the other disciples joyously shared their faith after seeing Jesus alive from the grave, Thomas simply could not believe it. He has missed the meeting when Jesus appeared to the disciples and Thomas was unable to accept another’s witness to this miracle. He was emphatic, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).
It was another eight days of restless quandary before Thomas had the opportunity to resolve his questions of faith. Again, the disciples were gathered in a closed room. This time Thomas was present when Jesus appeared. It seemed He came just for Thomas’ benefit. He offered His hands and the scar in His side for inspection that Thomas might believe. It sounds like Thomas did not require such a thorough inspection. Just seeing the Lord and hearing His voice brought full faith to this faltering disciple. He boldly exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The doubter became a believer.
Without condemnation Jesus accepted the worship of Thomas but stated, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). The power of faith allows those of us who have not seen Him still believe that He is alive and well!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #10
Andrew – The Power of Deference
“One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ” (John 1:40-41).
According to the Gospel of John it appears that Andrew could have been one of the first disciples to follow Jesus. Two disciples of John the Baptist were watching as Jesus passed close by. John proclaimed Him to be “the Lamb of God.” From that moment the two disciples left John to follow after Jesus. One of them was identified in Scripture as being Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter (John 1:40). Andrew was not content just to have found a Rabbi, he sought out his brother saying, “We found the Messiah!” and he brought him to Jesus.
From the moment of this introduction Simon, whom Jesus named Peter, would be more prolific, more noticed, and more quoted throughout the Biblical text. We never see Andrew in a negative light. In the brief exposure in the Scripture he is seen as a faithful follower and a passionate disciple. Apparently he was happy to defer to his brother and see the success of the one he had introduced to Jesus.
His gift was as an enabler, one who was happy to help others find fulfillment. It was Andrew who saw the need when Jesus taught the massive crowd in the mountain across the Sea of Galilee. There was no place to send them to eat, no place to even purchase food if they had the resources, yet Jesus asked “Where can we buy bread for them to eat?” Andrew, the enabler, came to the Lord and suggested that one lad had a lunch with him of five barley loaves and two small fish. Then, almost apologetically asked, “But what are they among so many?” (John 6:9). However, Jesus took the meager offering and multiplied it to feed the massive multitude.
On another occasion some Greeks had come to celebrate on one of the feast days. They heard of Jesus and sought him out. They found Philip and asked to see Jesus. Philip came to Andrew and Andrew brought him to Jesus. Andrew was always the enabler, helping others to succeed, assisting others to find their place. He was not one who sought the limelight or desired preeminence. Through this disciple we can learn the power of deference, the strength that comes through helping others succeed.
“One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ” (John 1:40-41).
According to the Gospel of John it appears that Andrew could have been one of the first disciples to follow Jesus. Two disciples of John the Baptist were watching as Jesus passed close by. John proclaimed Him to be “the Lamb of God.” From that moment the two disciples left John to follow after Jesus. One of them was identified in Scripture as being Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter (John 1:40). Andrew was not content just to have found a Rabbi, he sought out his brother saying, “We found the Messiah!” and he brought him to Jesus.
From the moment of this introduction Simon, whom Jesus named Peter, would be more prolific, more noticed, and more quoted throughout the Biblical text. We never see Andrew in a negative light. In the brief exposure in the Scripture he is seen as a faithful follower and a passionate disciple. Apparently he was happy to defer to his brother and see the success of the one he had introduced to Jesus.
His gift was as an enabler, one who was happy to help others find fulfillment. It was Andrew who saw the need when Jesus taught the massive crowd in the mountain across the Sea of Galilee. There was no place to send them to eat, no place to even purchase food if they had the resources, yet Jesus asked “Where can we buy bread for them to eat?” Andrew, the enabler, came to the Lord and suggested that one lad had a lunch with him of five barley loaves and two small fish. Then, almost apologetically asked, “But what are they among so many?” (John 6:9). However, Jesus took the meager offering and multiplied it to feed the massive multitude.
On another occasion some Greeks had come to celebrate on one of the feast days. They heard of Jesus and sought him out. They found Philip and asked to see Jesus. Philip came to Andrew and Andrew brought him to Jesus. Andrew was always the enabler, helping others to succeed, assisting others to find their place. He was not one who sought the limelight or desired preeminence. Through this disciple we can learn the power of deference, the strength that comes through helping others succeed.
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