“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, warning against the pursuance of material wealth. Many have ceased serving God in order to turn to the quest for money, fame and fortune; but none so widely known and tragic as Judas Iscariot.
Judas was an apostle of Christ. He saw sites that many never saw, heard teachings that would pierce the ears and witnessed miracles that would cause the strongest atheist to fall to their knees and confess Christ. Judas is an intricate part of the crucifixion at Calvary. His face was not seen at the cross, but his influence and deeds were there. The question that might cross one’s mind would be, “Why would he betray Jesus?” How could he hand over a friend, and the Man that he knew was the Son of God to be nailed to a cross?
Judas was not an evil individual. Jesus saw something in him, and no doubt, Judas served Jesus faithfully for a time. But Judas was covetous. He fell to that which can be a root of evil if it is allowed to control an individual; thus, it led to all kinds of evil. His love for money polluted and possessed him. He departed from the faith long before he betrayed Jesus. Judas is a warning to us. Let us decide for ourselves that, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
Kyle Campbell
