The Gospel of Judas gives us no new information regarding the true biblical Christ or his betrayer.  It discloses nothing new about the Gnostic sect which opposed biblical Christianity.  But it does give us each opportunity to ask ourselves: what will we do with Jesus?  Will we deny him for the sake of popularity or prosperity?  Will we turn against him when our faith is threatened or opposed?  Or will we say to the world, "Jesus is Lord"?

The biblical Judas appeared safe from the authorities, his Lord soon to be executed.  But then Judas took his own life before Jesus offered his.  Only the ancient Gnostics excused his rejection of our Lord.  Let's not make the same mistake today.  To reject Jesus is to reject the only way to God (John 14:6), the only way to salvation available to the world (Acts 4:12).

At the same time, we need to know that our worst days don't have to be our last days.  Jesus died for Judas, and for all who have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Wherever we've fallen down, we don't have to stay there.  The One who died for us all is ready to forgive our sins and make us God's children.  If you don't remember asking him to forgive your mistakes and become your Lord, I invite you to pray this simple prayer today:

Dear God,

Thank you for loving me.  Thank you that Jesus died on the cross to pay for my sins.  I ask you to forgive me for them.  I ask you into my life today.  I turn my life over to you as my Lord and Master.  Thank you for loving me and making me your child.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the first time, our church would like to help you grow in your new faith.  You can contact Park Cities Baptist Church (www.pcbc.org) for conversation with someone who is ready to help.

If you already know Jesus as Lord, take a moment to thank him for forgiving your sins and failures.  Ask his Spirit to show you any areas where you have betrayed his word and will.  Confess them to him, and claim his grace and new life.  And join me in a new commitment to tell the world the truth about Jesus.  The real Gospel may not make headlines today, but it has been changing lives for 20 centuries.  With whom will you share it next?

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