John 6:71

Jesus is referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, who although at the time is one of the Twelve, he would one day betray him. John 6:71 EFP

This is John’s statement.  He writes this looking back at the moment Jesus makes his statement about one of his disciples being a “devil.”  Jesus’ statement is a prophetic statement.  John’s statement is a hindsight clarification.  Jesus is looking forward.  John is looking back.  I can’t help but wonder why either statement is in the sacred record.  Is Judas predestined to fail?  Was he born to betray, just as Jesus was born to give his life for humanity?

In my dark moments I can’t help but wonder if I am a Judas, condemned to fail—the end of my life written in stone, with no escape.  Is Judas clueless to his destiny?  I feel sad for Judas if his future is unavoidable.  I realize God is God, and as God he is sovereign.  I get that.  But I can’t imagine God condemning someone before he has even lived his life—predestined to be lost.  Jesus dies so that all might be saved—including Judas.

Can it be that Jesus statement, is descriptive of what will be rather than what must be?   Judas betrayed Jesus.  So did Peter.  All the disciples abandoned him and went into hiding on that weekend in Jerusalem.  His guilt led him to end his own life.  Did it have to end that way?  Even after he sold his master, could he have repented and found forgiveness?  I have to believe there is forgiveness for all who come seeking it…even Judas…even me. Failure is a human reality.  Failure is not the end, unless I choose to deal with failure without the Savior I betray so often.