An Imagined Letter from Judas
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (NKJV) 2Peter 2:9
What if Judas Iscariot could speak from beyond the grave, not to justify but to warn? This imagined letter is his voice of regret, urging us to treasure the love he once betrayed.
To the world,
I write this, though my words may carry no weight now. I am Judas Iscariot - yes, the one who betrayed Christ. I was once so close to Him, watching His miracles, listening to His teachings. His love was always there, reaching out, forgiving, and offering grace. But I, in my foolishness, took that love for granted.
In those moments when my heart was clouded with greed and self-interest, I failed to hold fast to the love Christ offered. I thought I could control Him, manipulate the situation for my own gain. I believed that I knew better than God’s plan. But in the end, I sold Him for thirty pieces of silver - such a small price for the King of Glory. Matthew 26:15 and Mark 14:11,20 show the price I placed on Him, and it cost me more than I could ever repay.
I regret not recognizing the value of His love while I had the chance. John 13:1 speaks of His love: "Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." I had that love, and I tossed it aside for fleeting desires. I’ve learned too late that there is no greater love than His.
To you who read this: Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Don’t take His love for granted. I did, and I paid the price. You don’t have to.
Your Regretful Brother/Friend
Judas.
Even in the shadow of arguably the greatest betrayal, Christ’s love still shines. His light offers us hope, forgiveness, and a way home. May we truly embrace the love and patience of God whilst we still can (2Corinthians 6:2). Amen.