My Name Is Judas...
From Chosen Disciple to Tragic Betrayer
Dear Faithful in Christ,
I write this letter as Judas Iscariot, a name that has become synonymous with betrayal and treachery. My story serves as a solemn warning about the perils of losing sight of the true path and succumbing to darker impulses. Though my actions are irreversible, I hope my account can offer lessons for those who seek to remain steadfast in their faith.
I was chosen by Jesus Christ Himself to be one of His twelve disciples, an honor that I initially held with great esteem. "And Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him." (Matthew 10:4, NKJV) My early days with Jesus were filled with awe and hope, witnessing His miracles and absorbing His teachings. I was among those who were given the power to heal and to cast out demons, a testament to the trust Jesus had in us.
My father, Simon, and my origins from Kerioth, shaped my early years. In the company of Jesus and the other disciples, I found a purpose and a calling that seemed to transcend my simple beginnings. However, as time passed, my heart began to drift from the teachings of Jesus. A love for worldly possessions and power started to overshadow the spiritual truths that Jesus imparted to us.
As the treasurer among the disciples, I held a position of responsibility. This role, however, became a snare for me. "But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, 'Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?'" (John 12:4-5, NASB) My concern for the poor was a facade that masked my growing greed.
The turning point came when Satan entered my heart, and I made a fateful decision to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This act of treachery was not impulsive but stemmed from a heart that had slowly turned away from the truth and light of Christ. "Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve." (Luke 22:3, NIV)
My betrayal set in motion the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. In a moment of profound regret and despair, I realized the gravity of my sin. "I have sinned," I confessed, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." (Matthew 27:4, NIV) Overwhelmed by guilt, I took my own life, an act that ended my earthly journey in tragedy.
Reflecting on my life, I see now how subtle shifts in the heart can lead one away from God's path. My story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, the deceitfulness of sin, and the catastrophic consequences of turning away from the Lord.
To you who follow Christ today, I urge you to guard your hearts against the lures of this world. Remain vigilant in your faith, steadfast in your devotion, and always seek to align your actions with the teachings of Jesus. Let my story be a reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and the constant need for God's grace.
In my tale, find not a hero but a warning; a life that could have been spent in service to the Kingdom, wasted in pursuit of fleeting shadows. May you learn from my mistakes and walk a path that leads to life and not to destruction.
With a heart heavy with regret,
Judas Iscariot, The Betrayer.