Looking at the disciples and their journey with Jesus on earth, they did not get it! With a little ladder climbing here and hypocrisy there, Jesus surely has more patience than most.
One very telling passage comes to mind, let’s look at these other verses first. “Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.” Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests, Jesus knew Judas was not straight up with the group. He knew Judas would betray Him. Some even thought Judas was pilfering from the cash box, and Jesus knew it. The passage with the story that is of interest now is in Matthew the twenty sixth chapter.
Right after a woman anoints Jesus with oil, he refers to His burial.this is when one of the Twelve, the one named Judas Iscariot, went to the cabal of high priests and said, "What will you give me if I hand him over to you?" They settled on thirty silver pieces. He began looking for just the right moment to hand him over.
Jesus Knew Judas was a half a bubble off in his sincerity, and Jesus never said a word to anyone of their close friends. These thirteen men lived together, and knew each other intimately, the most casual observer knew they had problems, life kept showing up. Peter, one of the friends is referred to as Satan, when Jesus said directly to him, “get behind me Satan”. Given this type of group dynamic today, the leaders of a group would at least talk (gossip) about it. Dude did you know brother Jim was going to spread some lies about me, and I could end up in real trouble. Hey bro maybe we should dispense some church discipline his way before he messes the whole group up. Yea maybe we should have group meeting to discuss it. I don’t know, I am so hurt to think that he would do that to me after all I have tried to do for him. This Jim dude could give us all a bad name. Jesus said nothing, not one thing I know of, against Judas. No warnings to the others, no whining about being betrayed. I would at least have to whine to my wife about it, looking for a little, sympathy. or maybe just run Ralph down a little so I feel better. Jesus said nothing.
Let’s look at a few more verses. After sunset, he and the Twelve were sitting around the table. During the meal, he said, "I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators." Still no name!
They were stunned, and then began to ask, one after another, "It isn't me, is it, Master?"
Jesus answered, "The one who hands me over is someone I eat with daily, one who passes me food at the table. In one sense the Son of Man is entering into a way of treachery well-marked by the Scriptures—no surprises here. In another sense that man who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man—better never to have been born than do this!"
Then Judas, already turned traitor, said, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?"
Jesus said, "Don't play games with me, Judas."
Well how long does it take, walking with Jesus before we finally get it? The disciples who walked with Jesus in person, had some character defects almost till the end.
We can learn a few things from our Master. Do not give up on anyone, and avoid the temptation to bad mouth your tough cases. You ask how long should I hang in there with a guy like Judas? Answer: the best would be to hang in as long as Jesus did with Judas. At least hang in till you hear God say enough. Remember that love covers a multitude of character defects, (sin).
Learning to hold our tongues should be front burner. and persevering to the end should be on the burner right next to it! God calls us friends Jesus calls us brother.
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