Jesus welcomed this testimony with joy as indicating a growing faith. Yet he realized that one of their number was opposing him on several occasions. This man’s hard-heartedness developed to the extent that Jesus called him ‘Satan’. All the apostles were chosen, drawn by the Father to the Son, but they were not robots in God’s hands. They were free to obey the Spirit’s voice or ignore it. Judas deliberately shut his mind to God’s voice, and surrendered to Satan, who set up a mental link between the two of them. Judas did not leave Jesus alone as others who deserted Jesus had done, but he stayed on to accompany Jesus, a hypocrite pretending to believe. He became the son of the ‘Father of lies’ and progressed in treachery. Whereas Peter confessed Jesus’ Messianic role, Judas harbored plans to betray Christ to the High Council. Incited by hatred, he secretly mapped out his treacherous designs.
The evangelist does not conclude this important chapter with striking works on the authority given to the apostles. But gives prominence to the fact that even in the circle of the faithful, there was a traitor. Jesus did not drive him away, nor did he disclose his name to the others. But he endured him patiently, in case Judas would repent of the evil in his heart.
Dear Brother, examine yourself humbly. Are you a son of God or a child of Satan? Do you open yourself to the attraction of the Spirit, or do you tend towards a compact with Satan? Beware, lest you miss the aim of your life. Your Lord loves you, and has saved you. However, if you reject his salvation, you will drift into the paths of evil, and remain under bondage to Satan. Return to Christ, for he is waiting for you.