Leading Judas
“During supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas to betray Him…” (John 13:2)
Every leader eventually experiences betrayal from someone who intentionally conspires behind the scenes to discredit them. They pretend to give public support, but all the while promoting private disunity and disloyalty. The story of Jesus’ Passover with his disciples in John 13 teaches us how to lead these types of people.
Here are some thoughts to consider when leading betrayers…
You will always have a betrayer.
There will always be someone in the mix who doesn’t want to follow you, and yet there they are. Nothing you do will make them like or respect you. Even if you love them, believe in them, and serve them, they will yet all the more resist you. They can’t stand the sight of you, and yet you must love and lead them just as Jesus loved and led Judas (v14). This is leadership in rare form.
Your betrayers are closer than you think.
Your betrayers are often those with whom you share your inner most heart (v.26). They are very close, and you will feel deeply troubled by their proximity (v.21). They may be sitting right next to you at the conference table. You may even have hired them yourself. Often, they were brought onto the team by another leader or you were assigned to work with them. It’s quite the predicament.
Love and serve your betrayer regardless.
Jesus loved and served Judas regardless of his intentions (v.14-15). Notice, Jesus instructs His disciples to love one another just as He loved them, including Judas (v.34). Jesus fully knowing that Judas was conspiring against Him, sets the example of Godly leadership, and washes his feet. Here, Jesus sends a powerful message directly to His betrayer… “I will love you regardless.”
Satan is working through your betrayer.
Satan enters Judas (Luke 22:3). The devil himself is behind your betrayer’s actions (Ephesians 6:12). Satan uses insecure people who have not resolved their unhealthy craving for validation. When they don’t receive approval from leaders, they turn against them. Leadership draws jealously out of the insecure. The good news is that ultimately Satan’s plans will not succeed (Isaiah 54:17).
God uses your betrayer to fulfill His purposes.
God often allows our betrayer’s plans to play out in order to advance His purposes. It will all serve to bring God glory through our lives (Genesis 50:20). Jesus knew Judas’ intent, yet He urged him to act “quickly” (v.27). Jesus welcomed the work of the betrayer, without delay, to serve God’s greater plan. Without Judas, there would have been no death, no resurrection, and no redemption.
Your betrayer is the passage to blessing.
Jesus told His disciples they were blessed if they washed one another’s feet at the very same moment He washed Judas’ feet (v.17), thus demonstrating the love that reaps reward (Matthew 5:44). To get to the best blessings, we must often go through our worst betrayer. Don’t run from your betrayer. Face them, love them, and serve them. This is the Godly leader’s passage to blessing.
Your betrayers will suffer at their own hands.
Judas’ end was tragic (Matthew 27:1-10). The silver he received was worthless. His regret was too much to bear, and he eventually hangs himself. Betrayers are unaware that Satan is behind their plans and ultimately get hung up in their own schemes. Had Judas known what was coming to his own life, he may have conceded his plans. The only reward for betrayal is shame and regret.
You’re more like Jesus when you’re betrayed.
Like Jesus, you will experience betrayal, probably more than once. Yet, God knows exactly what you must be exposed to in order to produce the character and image of Christ in you. Trust that you will look back and thank God for the people you encountered and the pressure you faced. They will only serve to bring you into greater spheres of influence and impact in your leadership.
