Leadership through Discipleship #13

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!