I Choose Judas!

You many never believe it, but it's true! Go with me to the Gethsemane and let's look at this revelation.
​Matthew 26:36-46 

Of all the disciples, there are only two that are more commonly referred to: Judas and Peter. They were nothing alike but both are much more common through the lens of an archetypal illustration. If I were on the court of destiny, for the BIG game, I'd be sure to add Judas to my team! Peter is the disciple I've always thought I would need the most, but after some deep thought recently, I've discovered a revelation of Judas' integral role in Jesus' destiny! 

Peter is the disciple most people want in their corner. He's the rough and tumble ride or die friend. In fact, his carnality earned him numerous rebukes from the Lord, Himself. Still, he remains a fan-favorite, of sorts. 

In Gethsemane, Peter removes his sword from its sheath and severs the ear of a soldier (Matthew 26:51). Jesus miraculously healed the soldier's ear and was led away, captive. I'm from the hood and what Peter did was beyond noble! That's the kind of stuff you want to see from the homies, right?!? It is. Problem with it was that Peter had acted upon what he had already been rebuked against doing (Matthew 16:23). Jesus even called him a stumbling block, in that rebuke. 

Why is this important? Well, Peter was bent on stopping Jesus from laying down His life (Matthew 16:22). But in reality, that's why Jesus had even come to earth. The same Peter to whom flesh and blood had not revealed Jesus status as "son of the living God" was later rebuked as an offence to the Savior's purpose. 

What about Judas, though? We don't like him! He's the bad guy in the midst of the real brothers, right? Until last weekend, I thought the same. Then I was gifted this revelation: Judas made sure that Jesus fulfilled His life's purpose. He walked with Jesus, he knew Jesus' plans and apparently His whereabouts well enough to lead the soldiers to Gethsemane to apprehend him. 

While most of us would clamor for Peter, I want to introduce an appreciation for Judas. Peter could have interrupted the plan for salvation (Matthew 26:56), but Judas was key to making it happen. Ruminate on that for a minute...

Think about this, what if Peter by attacking the soldier had been apprehended with Jesus also? He would have thrown off the course of history! Jesus was tried alone, as He should have been. And He was, thanks to His miraculous re-attachment of the soldier's ear. 

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What does this mean to us? I'll share a portion of the notes I jotted down the other day. 

• Peter tried to keep Jesus from fulfilling his destiny. Judas made sure that he would, by betrayal. Thank you Judas, for being committed to the task, Judas.
• Peter was closer to Jesus, still he misunderstood His purpose. Watch out for Peter…he means well, but he will misunderstand your purpose. He will derail you on your way to fulfilling your life's purpose.
• Conversely, Judas will hand you an experience only Romans 8:28 can explain. 
• Judas serves a purpose. Peter may hinder you from purpose!
• Jesus healed the soldier’s ear because it was for HIM to experience the cross, alone. What if Peter had been taken into custody along with Jesus?
• Be careful of the people who are unwittingly attaching themselves to your destiny. They can’t go where only you are designed to go!
• Jesus healed the soldier’s ear and nobody stopped to marvel at the fact that Jesus healed him…why is that?!? 

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