Have you ever asked why parents don’t name their children Judas? At least in our part of the world?
Well, I haven’t heard of anyone else called Judas except Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus – yes, the one who betrayed him over 2000 years ago this day. There is of course another Apostle with a similar name – Jude Thaddeus – who is regarded as the Saint and patron of difficult cases and of things despaired of.
But there should be no confusion between Judas Iscariot and Jude Thaddeus or any other Jude.
Judas Iscariot had his work cut out for him.
Because of how he made his mark on humanity as the one who betrayed Jesus with a kiss, the name Judas has become synonymous for a traitor and betrayer. Therefore, parents would not name their sons Judas. But this has not removed the trait of Judas from many of us.
How did Judas Iscariot begin his ministry of betrayal? The Gospel of Mathew tells us in Chapter 26 Verses 14 to 16 that Judas went to the chief priests and asked: “What will you give me if I hand him over to you?” And they counted out for him 30 pieces of silver.
You can see from this account that bribery and corruption started a long time ago – asking and receiving.
There are many Judases in our system – in the family, offices, the nation, among friends, among nations.
In politics, business, sports and practically all endeavours, people sell out like Judas Iscariot. We betray our trust and we betray others.
Are you a Judas Iscariot? It is time to build trust and keep to what you have also promised people.
Let’s stop betraying one another.
Let’s stop back-biting.
Let’s stop selling out.
Don’t be a Judas Iscariot.
Image Credit: daily bible blast
National Post
Ogie Eboigbe, veteran journalist, broadcaster and public affairs specialist writes and analyses current and historical issues with a ‘wise pen’.
