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There is an interesting text in the book of Matthew that reveals a subtle insight into the mindset of Judas Iscariot, which may also be found in many professing disciples of Jesus today. Let’s take a closer look at a familiar passage.
In Matthew 26:17-25, Jesus was celebrating the Passover with his disciples for the last time. It was during the Passover meal that Jesus dampened the mood by saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me” (Matthew 16:21).
This pronouncement made the disciples exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say, “Lord, is it I?” But note the subtle difference in what the disciples asked and what Judas asked. Judas asked Jesus, “Rabbi, is it I” (Matthew 16:25)?
Did you catch the difference? The “eleven” apostles asked, “Lord, is it I?” while Judas asked, “Rabbi, is it I?”
This subtle difference, which can be easily overlooked, speaks volumes! While the term “Lord” could be used in a respectful way similar to how we might teach our children to say, “Sir.” But, by this point, the disciples had been with Jesus long enough to recognize him as their “Lord” in the sense of “master.” Jesus was their “Lord” in a way that had deeper meaning than just a common means of addressing him.
On the other hand, the term, “Rabbi” was a term that acknowledged Jesus was a teacher, and that, he was. But, he was more than a teacher; he was the “Lord,” but not to Judas. Of course, Judas proved that by having already begun the process of his betrayal when he asked the question (Matthew 16:25).
That brings me to the application. Is it possible for one to respect Jesus as a great “teacher” and yet refuse to make Jesus “Lord” of his life? Is it possible for one to recognize Jesus as a teacher, but refuse to allow his teachings to impact the way he lives?
Friends, when we resist the lordship of Jesus in our lives, when we refuse to surrender our wills to his will, we align ourselves with Judas Iscariot. Give that some thought the next time you consider resisting the lordship of Jesus in your life.
Steve Higginbotham