Empathy for the Wicked - Judas

2019-05-20

Empathy for the Wicked - Judas Exploring the Story of Judas and Its Relevance Today The Bible, according to Founded in Truth Fellowship, is not just a collection of stories but a single unified narrative about God's ongoing mission to bring justice, mercy, grace, and love to humanity, ultimately establishing His kingdom on Earth. This journey began with creation and humanity's initial relationship with God, a relationship that was marred by the choice to define good and evil independently. As the biblical story unfolds...

Empathy for the Wicked - Judas
Exploring the Story of Judas and Its Relevance Today

The Bible, according to Founded in Truth Fellowship, is not just a collection of stories but a single unified narrative about God's ongoing mission to bring justice, mercy, grace, and love to humanity, ultimately establishing His kingdom on Earth. This journey began with creation and humanity's initial relationship with God, a relationship that was marred by the choice to define good and evil independently. As the biblical story unfolds through Genesis, Exodus, and Judges, we see humanity straying further from this ideal.

However, the narrative takes a significant turn with the introduction of Jesus (Yeshua), a rabbi from Nazareth. John's gospel begins by presenting Jesus as the new creation, highlighting His role in birthing God's promises. The ultimate goal, according to the teaching, isn't a return to the Garden of Eden but an advancement towards a city, a cultivated and tended garden, signifying God's kingdom fully realized on Earth through the participation of His followers. Christians are called to be ambassadors of this kingdom, demonstrating God's love through their actions.

Often, when we read the Bible, we encounter figures labeled as villains or the wicked, such as Haman, King Saul, and Jezebel. We might be quick to judge and dismiss them. However, the speaker suggests that their stories are included in the Bible for a deeper purpose. These narratives aren't merely meant to condemn these individuals but to offer us insights into why they made the choices they did, providing lessons for our own lives. The aim isn't to sympathize with their actions but to develop empathy, to perhaps see reflections of ourselves in their struggles and failings.

This week's teaching focuses on Judas, arguably one of the most reviled figures in the Bible due to his betrayal of Jesus. While his reputation is defined by this act, the teaching aims to explore his story in a more nuanced way, portraying him as someone who initially followed God, was religious, and fit within the community of Jesus' disciples, yet ultimately remained empty. Drawing primarily from the accounts in Matthew 26 and Mark 14, the speaker retells the events leading up to Judas's betrayal, encouraging listeners to use their imagination to step into that historical context.

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Application for Everyday Life

Examine your own heart: Honestly assess any areas of your life where you might be outwardly conforming to religious practices but inwardly harboring sin or rebellion.
Embrace true repentance: Don't just try to hide or minimize your sins; bring them before God and allow His mercy to cleanse you.
Accept God's free gift of righteousness: Recognize that you cannot earn your way into God's favor; His righteousness is a free "wedding garment" offered through faith.
Extend empathy, not just sympathy: When encountering those who have fallen or made poor choices, try to understand the underlying struggles that might have contributed to their actions, without condoning the actions themselves.
Remember God's open invitation: Be encouraged that God's love and invitation extend to everyone, regardless of their background or past mistakes.
Focus on transformation, not just outward appearance: True following of Jesus involves a deep transformation of the heart, not just adhering to external rules or fitting in with a religious community.
Be wary of comfortable sin: Don't become complacent with sin in your life, as it can create distance from God and make you vulnerable to negative influences.
Continuously run towards God's mercy: No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, keep moving forward, casting off anything that hinders your relationship with God.