Lessons for the Outsider from Judas

Outsider tomato with grapes by shubijam – at www.freeimages.com

Judas Iscariot is famous for his betrayal of Jesus.  We can learn many lessons from Judas regarding greed, unbelief, and hypocrisy.  But I wish to consider an aspect of Judas typically overlooked.

It is likely that Judas was the only Apostle not from the region of Galilee in the north.  His surname Iscariot likely signifies he came from a town in the south called “Kerioth.”  Literally Iscariot probably meant “man of Kerioth.”

We understand that those of Galilee spoke with an accent (Mat. 26:73).  Many shared a common occupation of fishermen.

Jesus certainly made every effort to include Judas in the Apostlic circle, but could it be that he felt like an outsider?  He was valued and put to work as the treasurer of the group.  He was there for all of the teaching and training of Jesus.  But he still gave into unbelief and greed.

Could it of stemmed from him feeling like an outsider?  This might have been a factor in his infamous deed.  But this is clearly conjecture and cannot be proven.  Yet, it seems there are still some lessons for us.

Possible Lessons

1. Always work to pull outsiders into the group and help them to know they are accepted.  In every congregation there are those who feel like they are an outsider.  In the small groups of our churches there are those who feel distant and on the fringes.  Most congregations have been accused of being cliquish.  Single moms, minorities, unchurched, and newcomers often feel like they are outsiders and not a part of the group.  Someone said to me recently, “When you are moving to a new church, find people of the new congregation who do not have family, they will accept you in quickly and easily.”  How true and sad.  Those entrenched in our churches who have lots of family or already have their friends or group, often don’t feel the need for more, so they unconsciously keep others out.
2. When you are an outsider, be on guard, it can weaken you to temptation.  When you find yourself in the uncomfortable role of the outsider, be on guard.  The position of an outsider can open you up to bitterness, jealousy, strife, and unbelief.  Many have become unfaithful, because they didn’t “feel” accepted and welcomed.  Being different can be uncomfortable and a real challenge.  But rather than allowing satan to use it, you use it to grow as a person and be better able to understand others.  Choose to get involved, be a friend to others, and focus on serving.
3. Being an outsider, does not justify sinful behavior.  Sadly we have a society that often breeds outsiders.  Outsiders are often the ones who commit violent crimes or struggle with drug addictions.  Even in the church, the excuse that “I was not a part of the group” or “I was not accepted” is used to justify leaving the Lord, an affair, or strife with the leadership.  While the church may be at fault, the answer is certainly not to leave the Lord!  It is possible Judas’ outsider attitude helped lead to a terrible decision of betraying our Lord.

Don’t let an outsider attitude cost your soul!!

What other lessons can be drawn about outsiders?

If you would like to learn more about the Apostles check out my book The Twelve.