Matthias: The new apostle

The twelve apostles Jesus chose were people from all walks of life. They lived with Jesus, travelled with Him, evangelized with Him, saw Him perform several miracles. They also encountered the pain of Jesus, saw Him arrested and some saw Him die. Among the twelve was Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus and opened the door for the temple police to take Jesus away. According to the scripture, Judas became remorseful of his actions but it was quite late. He had already sold his Master for 30 pieces of silver and the Sanhedrin would not agree to a return. In ‭Acts 1:18-19, we are informed that “With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood. So Judas Iscariot died in such a disgusting condition. The betrayer killed himself as a result of his actions. Imagine Jesus moving along with the man who would orchestrate his crucifixion. Yet, Jesus never expelled Judas Iscariot from the ministry.

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. (‭Acts 1:26)

After the ascension of Jesus, Peter reminded the apostles of the need to replace Judas Iscariot. According to Peter, the villainous ministry of Judas Iscariot was even stated in scripture. Peter said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry. For it is written in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’‭” (Acts 1:16-17, 20). This prophecy had to be fulfilled. Judas Iscariot needed another to take His place. This Was Peter’s advice for the selection: “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” (‭Acts 1:21-22). The apostles nominated two men based on this criteria: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias (Acts 1:23). After the nomination, the apostles went ahead to pray, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ‭(Acts 1:24-25).

Prayer was a critical component of choosing the replacement of Judas Iscariot. Remember, Jesus also spent all night praying before selecting the twelve (Luke 6:12-16). It was after the apostles prayed that they cast lots. The lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles (‭Acts 1:26). Matthias wasn’t a novice to the ministry of Jesus. From the criteria the apostles used to make their selection, Matthias had been with Jesus since John baptized Jesus. In other words, Matthias experienced the ministry of Jesus. He might have followed Jesus on some of His trips. He might have witnessed the diverse miracles, the signs, the wonders. Matthias witnessed the crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. He wasn’t one of the core twelve, but he was willing enough to follow Jesus from the beginning of His ministry to the end. Matthias’ name wasn’t mentioned prior to the ascension of Jesus. He was a silent follower, yet he was the one who replaced Judas Iscariot.

There are several Matthiases in the house of God. Committed, dedicated, persistent, consistent and dependable members who do not have acclaimed positions neither are they known by many. There is always a time for each and everyone’s ministry to be brought to the limelight. Continue doing what you have been called to do. Your works are definitely being seen in heaven.

Are you a Judas Iscariot?

A few years ago, I pondered over the betrayer and how his own lifestyle permitted him to be used by the devil. The betrayer in this context represents Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples appointed by Jesus Christ. Many of us hate Judas Iscariot with a passion for what he did. Given the fact that Judas Iscariot was bold enough to betray his own Lord, master, teacher and friend, it is understandable that we consider him a villian. Unfortunately, many so-called believers are photocopies of the Judas mentality. They go to church on Sundays and on weekdays but they always struggle with evil and sin. In the previous post on the Betrayer, I mentioned that the fact that we go to church always does not make us immune to evil. We need to understand that Judas listened to all the life-changing messages of Jesus. He saw many of the miracles including raising the dead back to life but he still betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas was sent and given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Judas Iscariot reported together with the rest of the disciples how Satan was subdued by their ministry (see Matthew 10; Mark 6).

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. ‭(Matthew 26:14-16)

Judas Iscariot wasn’t a stranger in the ministry of Jesus. In the previous post, I mentioned that he was one of the twelve disciples Jesus prayerfully chose (Luke 6:12-13). Remember, Jesus had spent all night praying on the mountain and after the prayer, He appointed the twelve. The Son of God spent all night praying to choose his apostles and He chose Judas Iscariot as one. Was Jesus not aware that Judas Iscariot would betray Him? Jesus knew the hearts of all men and did not make a mistake in choosing Judas Iscariot.  I also indicated in the post that the betrayer joined the ministry and for three and half years with Jesus, He also impacted lives, propagated the good news and was given authority over impure spirits (Matthew 10; Mark 6). However, Judas still went ahead and plotted with the religious leaders to deliver to them Jesus Christ. In Matthew 26:14-16, we find out that “one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” ‭(Matthew 26:14-16). Wasn’t Judas aware that his master knew everything? How did Judas feel after he returned to the group as if nothing had happened?

Many believers have a Judas Iscariot mentality. Our way of life is a betrayal to the kingdom of God. Like Judas, although we know the power of God, we still go ahead and betray Jesus each day with our sinfulness. It is like daily taking 30 pieces of silver to sell our Lord to the accusers. We might be so much involved in ministry and like Judas, we might even hold prominent positions at our local churches. Yet, outside the corridors of the church, we are different people. We act differently, we flow with the world and no one can see a difference between us and the unbelieving people. In the post on the Betrayer, I mentioned specific lifestyles of Judas and how these allowed him to be a vessel of the devil.
A thief (John 12:3-6)
He didn’t love the poor (John 12;6)
He was greedy. He secretly went to the high priest to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10)
He didn’t love his Lord. He was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16)
This lifestyle allowed Satan to enter him (John 13:27) and before the other disciples could discover his plot, Jesus had already been betrayed.

If we are not intentional about character conformation to that of Christ, we are likely to be betrayer of Jesus. As Hebrews 6:6 states, when people taste of the goodness of the word of God and of the coming age and fall away into sin, in their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace. After all the encounters Judas Iscariot had with Jesus, He went ahead and betrayed Jesus for just 30 pieces of silver. Judas Iscariot didn’t have the opportunity to repent for his sins. He committed suicide even before Jesus was crucified. After the resurrection of Jesus, the Apostles replaced him with Matthias (Acts 1:25). He lost his place on earth and he also lost his place in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:4). As we enter into the holy week, sit back and ponder over these things: Are you demonstrating characteristics of Judas Iscariot in the body of Christ? Is your lifestyle betraying our Lord again? Can you be trusted to defend your faith before the “religious leaders” and not give up?

Mary and her alabaster box: Anointing Jesus

When you understand the full package of our salvation through the finished works of Christ, you will be compelled to live daily to please Jesus Christ. Imagine committing the worse of all sins, one of which you are liable to imprisonment and you plead guilty. Then the judge handling your case declares you quilty worthy of imprisonment. While you were patiently waiting for the judge to declare the terms of your sentence and how long you will spend in jail, the judge says: ‘You are guilty as charged but I have laid your sin on my only son. He will take the sentence on your behalf. You are free, go but do not commit those things that you did again.’ I believe until someone taps you to show that you are not dreaming, you might find it hard to believe. How can this be? Is this possible? This story is very related to what God did for us through the atoning death of His Son Jesus. Before Jesus died for us, some people were set free from bondages and others also received forgiveness from their sins. This post will consider one woman who received so much from the Lord Jesus Christ and out of her heart gave out her precious possession.

A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. (Matthew 26:7)

Jesus’ ministry reached out to the sinners and those who the religious leaders of his day shunned. He ministered to maniacs, demon possessed, adulterous people, those with leprosy and blood issues (all tagged unclean by the religious leaders) among many others. According to Luke 7:36, Jesus was invited by a Pharisee to a dinner in his house at a town called Bethany. Jesus accepted the invitation and went and reclined at the table as was the practice. The Pharisee represents the self-righteous religious leaders. While Jesus was there, “a woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” (Luke 7:37‭-‬38). I can imagine the shock on the face of the Pharisee. John’s gospel even gives more details. This woman is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 11:2). John also gives details of perfume: “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3).

Mary did not pour any oil, she poured expensive oil and this act caught the attention of Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus). Judas objected to Mary’s action and said, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” (John 12: 5). Mary’s worship, which was the anointing of Jesus, was worth a year’s wages! Mary understood what it meant to be loved irrespective of your past. She didn’t hold on to her alabaster jar, she poured it on Jesus’ feet. Judas on the other hand, although had been with Jesus all this while, cared not about worshiping Him with his best. In fact, according to the gospel of John, Judas didn’t make that comment because he really cared about the poor. Judas was a thief and as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it (John 12:6). Judas lived with Jesus, travelled with Jesus, ministered with Jesus and even was sent to heal the sick and share the Good News but he was not transformed, and Judas couldn’t lay before the feet of Jesus what matters most to him. Mary encountered Jesus, received a transformation and gave out her most expensive perfume to honour Jesus.

Even the Pharisee who had invited Jesus said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:39).
“Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:40‭-‬47).

Before Mary left the house, Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven” and, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:48‭, ‬50). Mary left relieved and satisfied. She fulfilled her call to anoint Jesus. Her action was not to gain commendation, according to Jesus, “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:7‭-‬8). Remember, after the death of Jesus, by the time the women got to the tomb on the third day to anoint Jesus, He had already resurrected. Imagine if Mary had missed that!

What do you have to pour at the feet of Jesus today? One gospel musician (MOG) said, “we lay our crowns and worship You”. Be ready to lay down that which matters most to you at the feet of Jesus. Your degree, wealth, marriage, job, children etc., should not prevent you from worship. Mary broke her very expensive alabaster jar, and worshipped even when it seemed foolish to the Pharisee and Judas Iscariot. Don’t allow naysayers to disrupt you, worship Christ with what matters most to you (your crown). He deserves it!

The betrayer!

One person in the Bible whose action has made him unpopular is Judas Iscariot. He was one of the twelve disciples Jesus prayerfully chose (Luke 6:12-13). Jesus had spent all night praying on the mountain and after the prayer, He appointed the twelve. It is amazing that Judas Iscariot was one of those who were prayerfully chosen to be part of the twelve. Was Jesus not aware that Judas Iscariot would betray Him? Jesus knew the hearts of all men and did not make a mistake in choosing Judas Iscariot. The betrayer joined the ministry and for three and half years with Jesus, He also impacted lives, propagated the good news and was given authority over impure spirits (Matthew 10; Mark 6).

And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” (Matthew 26:21)

However, Judas is also known for the following:
*A thief (John 12:3-6)
*He didn’t love the poor (John 12;6)
*He secretly went to the high priest to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10)
*He was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16)
*His lifestyle allowed Satan to enter him (John 13:27)

Jesus was aware that one of the twelve was a devil (John 6:70-71) and yet Jesus did not drive him out of the twelve until God’s word was fulfilled. Certainly, the character of Judas Iscariot is not worth emulating. However, we learn important lessons from his lifestyle. The fact that we go to church always does not make us immune to evil. Judas listened to all the life-changing messages of Jesus. He saw many of the miracles including raising the dead back to life but he still betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas was sent and given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Judas Iscariot reported together with the rest of the disciples how Satan was subdued by their ministry (see Matthew 10; Mark 6).

Our character must conform to Christ each day if not, we will be Christians who are ready to betray and crucify Jesus all over again (Hebrew 6:6). Judas experienced the love and compassion of Jesus towards the poor but he still betrayed him. At the end of his life, Judas committed suicide and the Apostles replaced him with another (Acts 1:25). He lost his position to be a foundation of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:4).

Prayer: Dear God, remind me daily to work on my character so that I will experience all your good promises in Jesus name. Amen.