When our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ walked the earth, he chose twelve men as his closest followers. They were called disciples because they were learning the way of Jesus through his words and watching his actions. These men spent three years with God’s chosen Messiah.

And one of those twelve men was Judas, who would betray him.

Not only did he betray Jesus, but we are also told in John chapter 12 that he helped himself to whatever was in the money bag. We are not told one positive story about the life of Judas in all the New Testament. 

And yet, Jesus chose him as one of his closest twelve followers. 

In part, Jesus selects him because his betrayal would ultimately bring about his death and the salvation of humanity. The grand providential plan included Judas. 

But I often wonder if it was also a walking demonstration of the grace of God. Jesus’ closest companions included a person who did not care about him. Judas was not concerned about the mission of Jesus but was using his connection to profit from it. And when he thought he could gain more by betraying him, he seized the opportunity.

The whole time this happens, Jesus never says a bad word about the man. There is no shouting or pouring out of righteous indignation. Jesus always treats him the same as the other eleven. Jesus’ model of love and compassion has no limits.

This is significant because someone in your life probably represents a Judas. They don’t honestly care about you. They are only with you for what they can get. And they would sell you out instantly if they thought it would benefit them.

How do you treat a person like that? 

Treat them like Jesus did Judas – with kindness and grace.  

No one in your life is beyond Christian love because no one was beyond Jesus’ love.