Judas

This week I spent 4 days in a beach hut at beautiful Mudeford bay. One of the things we did whilst there was spend the first hour of each day in personal devotional / study time.  In October I was involved in running a conference for young people and many of them said the most striking thing they had learnt was the importance of making time to spend with God. It can be easy to forget this conviction!! I have re-committed to spending more personal time with God - starting now!

So over the next few days I will be blogging my thoughts from my devotional time at the beach hut, and the other guys will be doing the same. We want to 1) be transparent 2) be good role models 3) encourage, challenge and learn together. Hope you enjoy!

Judas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S78_nVXzHds
http://www.footballfancast.com/2010/04/football-blogs/draft-judas-top-10-traitors
Owen Coyles is not a popular man in Burnley after leaving to join rivals Bolton. In the video clip, as he walks out at Turf Moor for a Burnley v Bolton match you can hear crowds chants of 'Judas'. The webpage is a list of the top 10 players who have left their teams, including Sol Campbell who is apparently 'the man simply known as ‘Judas’ among Spurs fans'.

Judas.
A name that has become synonymous with betrayal.

Matthew 26 - 27: 10 The plot to kill Jesus >  Judas hanging himself
Judas betrayed Jesus.
Jesus knew this was going to happen (v21-25)
Jesus choose Judas as his disciple knowing that would happen.
Knowing that he was giving Judas the opportunity to betray him.
A betrayal that would lead to his death.
And Judas' death.
Why?

Why did the elders and priests need Judas to show them which one Jesus was, when he 'sat with them every day in the temple' (26:55)?

Why didn't Jesus try to stop Judas from betraying him, knowing what that would eventually lead to not only for himself but for Judas too?

Did Jesus know what was going to happen before it happened? Did Judas have a choice? Matthew 26:24 says he would have been better unborn - but if he hadn't been born he wouldn't have betrayed Jesus and then would the prophesies have been fulfilled? Paradox!!!!
Is free will free will if God knows what we will do?

Continuing to think about these questions which arose in my mind. I'm challenged to question and investigate things more rather than accept what I hear or have picked up unconsciously. I was amazed when I closely read over the crucifixion and resurrection story how many questions came up! I have definitely found that questioning my faith and beliefs leads to a deepening of my faith and a greater closeness to God. Recognise your questions - let them grow - take them to the Father - listen - learn.

The thing that strikes me now as I finish is not any of those questions, but this one:
Judas is synonymous with betrayal. Thomas is synonymous with doubting.
What is your name synonymous with?