Running Toward the Danger: Rejection

Dear Readers, thank you for joining me as we continue “Running Toward the Danger.” We are looking at the ministry of Jesus through ficitonalized perspectives of those who were front and center, based on Scriptural accounts, and research. What began as a Lenten series has become an honest look at some of the powerful emotions, and their dangers, that most of us encounter during life’s journeys.

Each post includes its primary Scripture notation, a perspective, and questions for thought. My goal is to offer new insights into the ministry of Jesus as He chose to fulfill His Heavenly Father’s purpose for Him by running toward the danger for each of us . . . and to offer encouragment that He is with us as we confront dangers in our own lives.

Judas’s Perspective

The Danger of Rejection

Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:47-56 NTFE

Perspective

I had skills, valuable skills. When Jesus made me the group treasurer, I thought he’d recognized my skills. I finally believed that I could influence him and the other apostles in a more assertive direction toward the goal of making Jesus king. My motives were pure; it was all for the nation of Israel.

But somewhere, Jesus drew a line in the sand. Sure, he gathered enthusiastic crowds of thousands; they hung on his every word. Multiple times, I’m positive, Jesus could have mustered an army to overthrow the Romans in a heartbeat. But do you think he made the slightest move in that direction . . . no!

Instead, Jesus went about with his sugar-coated “gospel of love,” teaching, healing, feeding every limping, lisping, pitiful schmuck that came down the road. Eventually, I began to see his agenda and mine for a new kingdom were vastly different.

It cut me to the bone. I’d given up a couple of years of my life to follow this guy, and what did I have to show? What did the other apostles see in Jesus in I just couldn’t wrap my head around?

I admired Jesus, even though I thought he was delusional at times. He seemed genuine in what he was saying. There’s no doubt that he worked hard at what he was trying to sell. Still, I began to wonder if anyone else listening to his messages thought it sounded like he was rejecting the teachings of the Torah.

Eventually, I had to reject Jesus’s naïve campaign to change the world with his gospel of love. The more he preached, seemingly rejecting the scriptures of our forefathers, the more dangerous that rejection became to himself and others. I had to do something drastic to save Jesus (and us) from himself.

So, I made a deal, believing it would save Jesus, and move Israel closer to becoming a liberated nation. Little did I know the price we would both pay for trying to sidestep the danger of rejection.

Question(s) for Thought

Rejection can be a double-edged sword, hurting both parties. Consider a time when rejection, intentional or not, but actually propelled you forward in reaching a personal goal.