The Downfall of Judas Iscariot and Final Words on Jesus Ascension

In the last few weeks, we've explored the final words and admonitions of the resurrected Jesus, made to his apostles, disciples and other believers. He reiterated many times that his teachings were to be shared with all people, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, male and female, free and bond, even to the little children. He bade them go out into the world and freely share of the many blessings of the truths he revealed about God, the Heavenly Father of all, and the peace and love he bestowed on every human he ever met. He asked them to be Ambassadors. He said, " Now that you are ambassadors of my Father's kingdom, you have thereby become a class of men separate and distinct from all other men on earth. You are not now as men among men but as the enlightened citizens of another and heavenly country among the ignorant creatures of this dark world. It is not enough that you live as you were before this hour, but henceforth must you live as those who have tasted the glories of a better life and have been sent back to earth as ambassadors of the Sovereign of that new and better world." In other words, he commanded them to live all that he had taught them.

This week we will finish this story of his resurrection appearances with a section on the downfall of Judas. It's a remarkable look at what happens when someone, even someone devoted to high teachings, can't love and trust his fellows and isolates himself from others.

Here, for example, is one of the reasons that the authors of the book give us for Judas' downfall: He disliked to discuss his personal problems with his immediate associates; he refused to talk over his difficulties with his real friends and those who truly loved him. In all the years of their association he never once went to the Master with a purely personal problem.

We hope you will join us for another lively show with our special guests as we share and discuss these remarkable teachings.