Who is The Greatest Among You. Part [9] 08/23/2025 (Morning thought)

Matthew 26:47 And while he yet spoke, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

[The Desire Of Ages pp 717] John, who was treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ's lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier. Thus, Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager….. Thus, hurt feelings, wounded pride, and great anger at the two disciples pervaded the atmosphere, in so much that Jesus had to address the volatile situation before it spun out of control.

And He did so with the gentleness and wisdom that is born of God. He didn’t point fingers, call them names, nor did He rebuke them in any visceral language, for this would only pour salt into an open wound, and would then produce the opposite effect Jesus desired. When a situation arises, where brethren, or family members become incensed as they vie for the best, the highest or the greatest remember that you must never fight fire with fire for you will only get more fire.

Instead, we are counseled in the example of Christ, and in the approach which He then took, to take the royal road which is found in the Bible, by seeking to diffuse, not infuse more animosity into the mix, by seeking reconciliation, not annihilation. Too many persons are seeking for annihilation nowadays.

Matthew 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

Who is The Greatest Among You. Part [8] 08/23/2025 (Evening thought)

Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goes as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

Judas started writing off the disciples one by one as he sought to big up himself for the top position. He begins with James and John, who were just mere fishermen and who did not even have the education or the finesse necessary, to be at the top. It's true they could fish, but they were not proficient with computers, so they would lack the necessary skills and the know-how for the job.

He also scratches off Matthew, as being in bed with the Romans on the issue of taxes, because the Jews viewed those who collected taxes for the Romans as national traitors. Judas even writes off Jesus Christ as being too timid to wrest the reins of control from the Romans, and so, one by one, everybody else seems not to be up to the challenge in his mind and thus, lo and behold, there’s only one left standing, me myself and I.

[The Desire of Ages pp 717] Judas was highly regarded by the disciples, and had great influence over them. He himself had a high opinion of his own qualifications, and looked upon his brethren as greatly inferior to him in judgment and ability. The church would never prosper with such short- sighted men as leaders. Peter was impetuous; he would move without consideration.

Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!