Working Against Christ

Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the miracle of the loaves it was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high, his disappointment, bitter.HLv 477.4

Christ's discourse concerning the bread of life was the turning point. He saw Christ offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and could bestow no high position on His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.HLv 478.1

From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples and increased the discouragement pressing upon them. Yet Judas appeared conscientious. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was attaching to Jesus’ words a meaning He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting ambitious desire for temporal preferment. The dissension as to which should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.HLv 478.2

When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship, Judas thought that a mistake had been made. Such men as this ruler would help sustain Christ's cause. Judas thought that he personally could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church. In these things, he thought himself wiser than Christ.HLv 478.3