The Mindset of a Pretender

Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. Matthew 26:26 (KJV)

I read Judas’ question to Jesus and I am struck by the blatant mode of “masking” he is living. Judas is asking this question AFTER he has already visited the chief priests (Jesus’ greatest human rivals), offered to help them capture him, agreed to a price of thirty pieces of silver, and began looking for an opportunity to carry out the betrayal. Everything has been set in motion for the most heartless, devious betrayal of all time. Judas knows what he is doing and still voices a question to the very One he is betraying and the very One who knows he is doing it. What I am asking myself is “why?” Why is Judas asking a question he already knows the answer to?

Could it be he wants to know if Jesus is aware of his thoughts, actions, and secrets? Or could it be he wants to continue his masquerade within the company of the other disciples? Jesus could not be fooled. He saw right through the hidden agendas, false motives, and hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His day. And He saw right through Judas. As God, He was present when Judas met with the chief priests and He was aware of his search for the right moment of betrayal. Nothing escapes His knowledge, awareness, or eye.

So it is the second possibility that has my attention this morning. While Jesus cannot be fooled, people are another story. Judas would continue to embrace his self-deception with his desire to keep the truth hidden from the people in his life. He was pretty good at it too, because his closest friends never realized the truth about him until his kiss of betrayal took place in the garden. He indeed had them all fooled until the very end.

I wonder how many Christians will live with a Judas mentality today? While they realize God is not being fooled, they continue playing a game of pretend to their family, friends, co-workers, and congregation. They derive some sense of safety and satisfaction that no one knows what they are really like. Addictions, strongholds, and sins have remained hidden behind masks of worship, service, and good outward behavior. God is calling them to a life of authenticity and will help them find it, but they are resisting. Oh, that they would not play their game until the end. How tragic that would be!

Father, it is sobering to think one could live with such a mindset. May I be honest with You, others, and myself each day. Cloak me in truth. Amen.