Working Against Christ

Judas was always advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the miracle of the loaves, it was Judas who started up the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high, his disappointment bitter.HH 330.2

Christ’s message concerning the Bread of Life was the turning point. Judas saw Christ offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor and could grant no high position to His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ that he could not draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.HH 330.3

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 context, perplexed the disciples and increased the discouragement pressing in on them. Yet Judas appeared honorable and upright. So in a very religious and apparently wise way, he was attaching a meaning to Jesus’ words that He had not conveyed. Judas’s suggestions were constantly stirring up ambitious desire for higher positions and honors. The argument over who should be greatest was generally started by Judas.HH 330.4

When Jesus presented the condition of discipleship to the rich young ruler, Judas thought that He had made a mistake. Such men as this ruler would help finance Christ’s cause. Judas thought that he personally could suggest many plans to benefit the little church. In these things, he thought he was wiser than Christ.HH 330.5