“Why Jesus Let Judas Hold the Moneybag”

“He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” John 12:6

 Jesus Knew… But He Didn’t Remove

• Jesus knew Judas’ heart.

• Jesus knew Judas was stealing.

• Jesus knew Judas would betray Him.

• Yet Jesus still let him manage the money.

Why?

 1. Not Everyone Who Stays Is Righteous—And Not Everyone Who Leaves Is Rejected

We as ministers are quick to:

• Expose the betrayer.

• Cut them off.

• Clean up the camp.

But Jesus didn’t expose Judas. He entrusted him with access, knowing that Judas would ultimately hang himself—not because Jesus punished him, but because Judas’ own heart would testify against him.

 2. Some People Are Assigned to Help Crucify You

“What if we are casting out those who are called to fulfill the process of our cross?”

This is the hard meat of prophetic ministry.

Sometimes, the one you want gone…

…the one whose spirit irritates you…

…the one whose betrayal you sense in the Spirit…

…is the very one God is allowing to stay—not to destroy you, but to position you.

Jesus did not remove Judas, because the cross required him.

 3. Judas Was Part of the Plan—But He Wasn’t in the Will

There is a difference between being:

• In God’s plan (used for divine purposes), and

• In God’s will (walking in obedience).

Judas fulfilled prophecy…

…but he did not fulfill his purpose.

He destroyed himself because of his own choices.

Jesus didn’t have to curse him—Judas’ actions did that.

 4. Jesus Didn’t Defend Himself or Expose Judas

He let time reveal the heart.

That is a word for leaders.

You don’t always need to:

• Justify your discernment,

• Warn others about the Judas,

• Or protect yourself with exposure.

You need to stay obedient.

The betrayal will come,

but so will the resurrection.

The Process of the Cross Requires Painful Proximity

The enemy doesn’t always come through a stranger.

Sometimes he sits at the table.

Sometimes he carries the offering.

Sometimes he kisses your face.

But even that is a part of the cup.

Jesus let Judas close enough to:

• Handle the money,

• Sit at the Last Supper,

• And even kiss the face of the Messiah…

…because betrayal was the final push into breakthrough.

 Scriptures to Meditate On:

• John 13:27 – “What you are about to do, do quickly.”

• Matthew 26:50 – “Friend, do what you came to do.”

• Psalm 41:9 – “Even my close friend… has lifted his heel against me.”

• Romans 9:17 – “For this very purpose I raised you up…”

 Challenge:

Be careful who you cast out.

You might be rejecting the person that’s supposed to press you into your cross.

You don’t need to expose them.

You just need to endure.

The cross is coming. But so is the empty tomb.