The Judas Principle

One out of the twelve disciples betrayed Jesus for money. Jesus was crucified because of this betrayal.

I don't want to make this a theological blog about Judas, but rather how we can make the "Judas Principle" practical in our lives.

Betrayal, hurt and "being sold out" are a part of life.

I was recently talking with another pastor about these type of things. I came to the conclusion that you cannot stop Judas from being in your life. Jesus knew, at least from the Last Supper, (we can all agree) that Judas was going to betray him. He did not carry Judas to the side and fuss at him. He did not start paranoia in the group by talking about Judas to other disciples. He did not "monitor" and watch Judas. I have been a part of ministries where the leader is paranoid and accuses people of being against them.

Jesus, ate with Judas. Jesus allowed Judas to hold the only office in the group of apostles (treasurer) and he let Judas do what he was going to do.

You cannot lead people if you are paranoid that they are going to "stab" you in the back. If you try to pick out the "Judas's" in your organization, you will find out that you may be wrong. We would have probably picked Peter to be the one to ultimately betray Christ. He was called, "Satan" by Jesus at one point. He was loud, boisterous and wrong a lot.

Judas played an important role in the life of Jesus Christ. His action of betrayal sent Christ to the cross. There could not have been the resurrection without the cross.

The Judas Principle is simple. Love those around you. Don't let paranoia get the best of you or your organization. Even if you have been hurt in the past, don't let a deep distrust of people spoil your chance to develop them.

The Scripures say that Judas hung himself. If you play your cards correctly, you will fulfill the role of love in Judas' life, allow them to position you where you are supposed to be and they will eventually destroy themselves without you having to try to do that for them.