Making Life Work

By: Lenny Cacchio

    A few weeks ago in this column I wrote about Judas Iscariot.  I called him an enigma.  How could anyone, having seen the miracles of Jesus and hearing his words, betray the Son of God to the children of men?

    Shortly after that column made the rounds, Barbara, a friend from college days, sent me a note that opened some insights that reveal not only an insight into his motives, but also a warning to those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus today.  Wrote Barb:

    I don’t find it so unfathomable that he was caught up by his political goal to help restore Israel to its former glory.  He was trying to coerce Jesus to take over to use His powers, if pushed far enough by the Romans.  He never expected Him...

By: Lenny Cacchio  

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. (Jesus, as quoted in Mark 2:17 NKJV)

    All of Jesus disciples were in need of a physician. James and John wrangled constantly over being the greatest in the kingdom, and Peter’s good intentions could not overcome his impetuosity. Matthew’s history as a tax collector implies an uncertain reputation.  Thomas had doubts, and Phillip lacked faith. Some of these men were so reticent that their voices are never heard in the Scriptures.

    All were in need of the healing of the Great Physician, and all save one accepted the offer of that gift. We are left to speculate about the reasons for Judas rejection of eternal life and of Jesus as his Savior, but there is one thing that we do know: Jesus came to heal those who are sick. He came to call sinners, but not the righteous, to repentance.

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By: Lenny Cacchio  

    He was wrapped in an enigma, and so he is now. For thousands of years theologians have bandied about how Judas could betray his friend and teacher for the price of a slave. The depth of evil is thankfully unfathomable to most of us, and the why’s and wherefore’s of Judas’ betrayal will be saved for a different discussion.     The question for today is the length to which Jesus went to save Judas from himself. Time and again Jesus both encouraged and warned Judas. Along with the other apostles Judas received power and authority over demons and he cured diseases (Luke 9:1-2). Miracles were performed at his hands! As an example, Jesus washed Judas’ feet in an ordinance of humility and service at the Lord’s Last Supper (John 13:4-5). ...