© 2014 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

When we think of privileged people we may think of folks who have special relationships with powerful individuals. This is sometimes conveyed by the expression, “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.”

Sometimes corporate employees can benefit by what is called “face time” with the corporate boss. Employees actually compete for this “face time.” They want to be known by that powerful individual. In the spiritual realm many believe that personal contacts with high church officials will certainly benefit them in eternity.

Many years ago there were twelve individuals who had the privilege of three years of “face time” with the Son of God. He was and is God in the flesh born of a virgin. He came to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). These twelve individuals were the disciples of Jesus Christ. Can you imagine a more incredible acquaintance? Can you imagine the privilege of having “face time” with Him? How could anyone with the benefit of being called “friend” by the ruler of the universe ever go wrong?

Yet listen to the description of Jesus’ interaction with Judas Iscariot during the betrayal. “And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him” (Matthew 26:47-50). Notice the fact that Jesus addressed Judas as “friend.” Wow!

Few people have ever had the kind of interaction with Jesus that Judas Iscariot had. Yet Scripture describes the final destiny of Judas with the following ominous words: “…Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place” (Acts 1:25).

Are your religious affiliations more credible than those of Judas Iscariot? Will you depend on them only to find yourself in the same place as he is? Or will you call out, in repentance, to Jesus the redeemer who sacrificially shed His blood on the cross of Calvary and rose from the tomb to save His people from their sins?

 

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