Am I a “Devil?”

John 6:66-71

At this, many of his disciples turned away and no longer accompanied him.

Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, where would we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We believe and know that you are God’s holy one.”

Jesus replied, “Didn’t I choose you twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.”  He was speaking of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.

                Jesus’ discussion of what it means for Him to be the Bread of Life has caused many to turn away.  As that happens, Jesus asks the twelve if they too, will leave.  Peter, who is known in the other gospels for often saying the wrong thing, makes a bold profession of faith.  It is a “correct” expression of what Jesus has been trying to teach.  What Jesus offers is life in the eternal realm and Jesus can offer this because he is of and from God.  This moment has the same gravitas as the moment in Matthew 16 where Peter confesses Jesus to the “Christ, Son of the Living God.”        

                However, here in John’s gospel, Jesus takes the conversation in a very different direction than the way it goes in Matthew:

                “Didn’t I choose you twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.”

John is quick to point out that Jesus was talking about Judas, who will eventually betray Jesus.  And the reality is, Jesus is talking about Judas.  However, it seems clear that Jesus is making a larger point that, even among those who are closest to Jesus, authentic and complete faith in Jesus can not be assumed.  The Greek word that is often translated “devil” in this text literally means “accuser” or “deceiver.”  Though Judas is known as a follower, he will ultimately be exposed as one who stands against Jesus. 

                This still happens.  Among those who are known as ardent followers of Jesus, there are those whose true colors are hidden until, or course. . . they are revealed at a critical moment.  I have seen these revelations come to light in church leaders, teachers, seminary professors, and pastors with the results being devastating to the Christian communities around them.  Jesus is warning His disciples that these imposters are not just possible; they are inevitable. 

                Here’s the shocker for me.  It’s not that there are imposters.  I’ve seen too many of them to be surprised any more when they are revealed.  What is almost unbelievable is that in this case, Jesus knows who it is and doesn’t specifically call him out.  He doesn’t expel Judas or ask for his resignation.  Jesus allows Judas to continue to participate in the most significant ministry in the history of the world despite the fact that Judas will betray the whole movement. 

                Because of this, all twelve are put on notice.  They don’t know what Judas is going to do later, From each of the twelve’s perspective, Jesus could be talking about them.  Judas himself, may not even be aware of what he will eventually be capable of at this moment.  But from that moment, all of them most likely took a harder look at their own heart and motives. 

                We would do well to do the same. 

Questions:  Is there any falsehood in out hearts?  Is there any way that we portray a faith outwardly that contrasts with what we believe in our cores?

Prayer:  Examine me, God! Look at my heart!  Put me to the test! Know my anxious thoughts!  Look to see if there is any idolatrous way in me, then lead me on the eternal path! Amen (Psalm 139:24-25, CEB)

Prayer Focus:  Pray for the Catholic church as they prepare to select a new Pope.

Song:  What If I Stumble? – DC Talk