The Judas Rule

by: Keith Phemister

Luke 17:1-10

Let me ask you an honest question! Have you ever been hurt by another person? I think I know the answer, and I believe I can pinpoint just who it was that hurt you. It comes from a principle that is pulled from the observation of Jesus and his disciples. We will let it be known as the Judas rule. It basically says this: Offenses come by way of close relationships. The closer you are to someone the greater the offense.

Judas is synonymous with betrayal. It is the one name that most people would give second thought to when considering a name for their son. In fact, no less than ten different times will you find Judas linked up with the word betray or a form of the word. Here are a few examples:

Matthew 10:4 – “Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”

Matthew 26:25 – “Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.”

Matthew 27:3 – “Then Judas, which had betrayed him…”

Allow your mind, if you will, to wander to the time our Lord made Himself venture back to the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas is leading a contingent of men tasting blood. Like a pack of wolves, smelling the blood, they descend upon their prey.

Wait a minute! Maybe we were wrong about Judas? He plants a kiss on his Master’s face. No, Jesus erases our doubts. “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss,” He says. The reality of this man is now known to all far and wide and to every future generations. Judas is a betrayer. However, what I believe we all should know is the fact that before the betrayal there was an offense. Yes, if you thought about the offender being our Lord, you are right. I am sure you are aware that even Jesus offended people.

Now, I know there are some who believe if you love the Lord you will never take offense. Scripture is even quoted to back this up. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” But, that is referring to the Word of God. The precious people who love the Book will find themselves never being offended by the Bible. People however can offend us by what they say.

In Luke 17, Jesus reminds us that offenses will come. Long before Judas betrayed Jesus, he was offended by Jesus. Here is the account from Matthew:

Matthew 26:7-14 says, “There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,”

Mr. Judas was offended by Jesus responding to those who questioned him. Our Lord defended the woman and the money was not given to him in the manner he wanted. He was a thief at heart. Offenses can and will lead to betrayal, and betrayal leads to hurt.

So, the big question for you is this: When you get offended, how will you respond? Beware Christian. I have seen many a person come to this crossroads and respond in a way that causes much damage to the cause of Christ.

Now here is the real lesson! The closer you are to someone the greater the possibility for offense. People don’t get hurt by those who they do not know. They get hurt and offended by those who are closest to them. Families are divided. Churches are divided. All because of offenses. Remember this verse please: “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19)

We need to know what exactly an offense is. 1 Peter 2:8 says, “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word…” An “offence” then is defined as

1. Cause of stumbling
2. An injury
3. Displeasure, anger

In Luke 17:2, “little ones” refers to weak believers, not as some suppose “little children.” Furthermore, the word “offence” comes from the Greek word scandalon, meaning – the moveable stick or trigger of a trap. An impediment placed in the way causing one to stumble.

Therefore, we have a very interesting scenario developing here. When we allow ourselves to get offended, we fall into a trap. Remember that Scripture tells us, “Satan entered into him” speaking of Judas. Basically an offended person will fall into one of two categories:

1. One who has been treated unfairly
2. One who believes he has been treated unfairly

Judas, fell clearly into the second category, and for the most part this is what happens to most of us. The question is defined by this: “What then do we do when offended?”

May I offer a few helps regarding the Judas Rule?

1. We should forgive?

Notice that the offended should begin the process. (v. 3) We are to confront one who has trespassed. We can notice that a person may be sincere in what he is saying, but actions may not back up his words. However, we are to forgive him when he says he repents. (v. 4)

2. Forgiveness is not easy.

The Disciples had such a hard time believing they could forgive that they asked the Lord to increase their faith. (v. 5) Jesus is teaching that forgiveness has nothing to do with faith and everything to do with obedience. It is our duty to forgive. It is not that we cannot forgive, but that we choose not to forgive!

Maybe you have been offended in recent days and have not forgiven someone of their offense. You will know you have been offended when you bring it up to someone else for no apparent reason. Perhaps you will be speaking with your spouse or friend, and out of nowhere your inner hurt is spoken to another. This is an obvious clue that you have not yet forgiven the offender. It’s time to take action – and remember, it is most likely one very close to you who has offended you. It is the Judas Rule!!

Keith Phemister
Pastor
Faith Baptist Church
Nashua, NH