Even Jesus Couldn’t Win Judas

Last week as I was preparing to give a Palm Sunday sermon, I stumbled upon a note in one of my commentaries that simply stated "even Jesus couldn't win Judas" and it struck me. Although the commentary didn't go any further on this point, I thought it appropriate to perhaps tease out this thought. (and what great timing in the midst of Holy Week!)

I think it is important to speak to that every pastor, social worker, and person who cares deeply for people needs to know. Our job is not to heal, fix, or restore people....our job is to participate in the process of restoration. We are never responsible for the outcome, for that is far greater than us.

This was a lesson I learned all too difficultly when one of my former students was walking through depression and suicidal thoughts. (Unfortunately this is far too common, and I have experienced it many times.) I was a good human, pastor, and friend. I was there to pick up every phone call, respond to every text, and even drive to them. I prayed individually, I asked others to pray anonymously to respect their privacy, and even prayed with them personally several times. It was one of the longest three month periods of my entire life, and I couldn't be more thankful for the lesson I walked away with: Sometimes they don't need me to run to them pretending to be Jesus when they need Jesus Himself.

This is not to say that my role was unimportant, in fact, both myself and this student would argue just how important my role was. But, my role was so small compared to the restorative work that Jesus was able to preform in this individual's life. This is what I mean when I say "our job is to participate in the process of restoration." For Jesus is the giver, healer, and master of life; we are not.

Another incredibly important lesson I learned very early on in my "ministry career" (whatever that is) was that if someone didn't want to heal, they weren't going to. I have had many parents reach out to me and say "I need to get my kid with a mentor or in counseling". To which I would reply, "Did your son or daughter approach you about this?" (Unfortunately, most of the time the answer was "no".) You see, when someone doesn't see the need to change or have the drive to change, they won't change. Individuals are personally responsible for taking the first step in the restorative process.

Both of these examples are important to understanding the statement "even Jesus couldn't win Judas". Judas was a disciple of Jesus who spent many years with the Messiah and Son of God, and yet, he betrays his friends, teacher, and God for some money and then commits suicide. This is a man who was loved, taught, and spent personal time with our God in flesh. We would never presume blame on Jesus for not caring for Judas well! Judas chose his fate in opposition to every opportunity of love, life, and restoration.

So if you are a pastor, social worker, or person that has ever lost someone to something tragic, I need you to know that IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. You did all that you could. You followed every spirit-leading you could. You did well in caring for that person(s). You played a vital role in the restoration process for that person(s), and that is all you were called to do well. Although the outcome was not what your heart desired; it was not yours to be controlled. You are loved, and we are all well-pleased with your efforts.

The work of restoration is daunting, never-ending, and filled with grief. Yet we follow the call to participate in little and small ways every day that affect individuals and communities that then flow out into our world. May we never grow weary of doing good.

Grace and Peace,

Austin