Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.
Luke 22:3-4 NIV
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. An esteemed position many in his time would have aspired to. Imagine living in that era, where your top goal for the year is to be a chosen disciple of Jesus. You would do everything possible to get shortlisted and called close to the Master. Judas likely felt that initial thrill and excitement, just like you would. However, initial excitement is not enough to carry anyone to the finish line. True discipleship demands more than a good beginning—it requires perseverance until the very end.
We often wonder how Judas could walk with Jesus for three and a half years, witness miracles, and still betray Him for thirty pieces of silver. Judas wasn’t a passive observer; he was among those who preached, healed the sick, and returned with testimonies of power. Yet, despite this closeness and spiritual activity, Judas met a tragic end. The summary of his legacy is in this one phrase: “Judas betrayed Jesus“. That phrase alone carries a weight that no one wishes to bear. His life reminds us that starting well is not what matters most—it’s how we cross the finish line that defines our story.
Judas’ journey shows us that knowing Jesus, being around Him, loving Him, or even doing great things in His name is not enough. What counts is how we end. Many begin the race with enthusiasm, but not all endure to the end. A well-lived Christian life doesn’t depend on spiritual highs alone; it reflects a consistent walk that leads to eternity with God. We must daily check our hearts and ensure we’re not like Judas. Those who were once close to the Lord, only to fall short of the finish line through compromise or unfaithfulness.
This warning echoes beyond Judas to others like Demas, who also began well but abandoned the faith for worldly gain. The Bible shows many who began the journey and laboured for God but failed to endure until the end. The tragedy is not in starting weak—it’s in failing to finish. You may have surrendered your life to Jesus, and that is something to celebrate. Yet the true victory lies in remaining faithful to Him until the finish line.
Therefore, let us hold fast to our faith and rely on God’s grace to remain steadfast. We must choose daily not to betray or deny Jesus, even when trials press in. Like Paul, we can boldly declare in the end, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Rather than settling for a strong beginning, let us strive actively toward a glorious end at the finish line.
The story of Judas is a sobering reminder that it is not how we start, but how we finish that truly matters. Excitement, position, or spiritual gifts do not guarantee a faithful ending. Every believer must run with endurance, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus. As you walk with God today, fix your heart on the finish line. Let your life not only begin in Christ but also be completed in Him. May your story end with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Living It Out
Every day is a new opportunity to take inventory of your walk with Christ. Are you coasting on a spiritual high from the past, or are you actively pursuing Jesus today with a heart that longs to finish well?
Don’t settle for just starting the race—determine to finish it faithfully. Stay rooted in God’s Word, stay connected to the Body of Christ, and stay vigilant against the subtle compromises that lead hearts astray.
Ask yourself:
- Am I walking closely with Jesus, or just going through the motions?
- Is my heart fully surrendered, or have I made peace with small betrayals?
- Am I running toward the finish line, or drifting from my first love?
Let Judas’ story be a warning—but let your story be one of redemption, endurance, and eternal reward.
Commit today to finishing your race in faith, with your eyes fixed on Jesus.