Celebrating Judas

I realize the title of this essay could be initially offensive to some.  Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, is often perceived with disdain.  He did a bad thing, which led to the leader of our faith being tortured and killed.  How in the world could I want to “celebrate” him?

Jesus says himself in John 17:12 that this betrayal was foretold in Scripture.  In John 13:26, Jesus clearly defines who is going to betray him, and tells Judas to "Hurry and do what you're going to do."  He makes it clear in John 14:30-31 that the ruler of this world has no power over Him, yet he will do what the Father requires of Him.  This is why Jesus did not resist in his trial, torture, or execution.

I find it interesting to read in John 11:51-52 that Caiaphas "...as high priest at that time [was] led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation.  And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world."  We don't celebrate Caiaphas either, as he had a clear role in torturing and executing the Jesus we love.  Somewhere along the way I missed the fact that he was "led to prophesy."  Whether or not he misapplied that prophesy is a matter of debate, nevertheless he fulfilled the role that God had intended him to play.

In Jesus' final days, He tells his disciples "If you really loved me you would be happy that I am going to the Father" (John 14:28).  In Jesus' humanity, He would suffer greatly.  Yet in His spirit he would overcome the world!

The bottom line is this--someone had to betray Jesus.  That takes me back to John 17:12.  "I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold."  Caiaphas had to overcome the growing interest in Jesus within the Sanhedrin, and God gave Caiaphas a prophecy that led him to appeal for Jesus' crucifixion.  Judas had to turn Jesus in at the proper time and location.  And Pilate, despite all of his attempts to free Jesus, had to order him crucified.  And Jesus explains this in John 19:11 as he tells Pilate, "You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above."

So today, I thank Judas, Caiaphas, and Pilate.  They played their roles that paved the way for me to have the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is called our Advocate and Counselor.  Rejoice!