Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White’s writings provide a sobering look at how Judas positioned himself within the inner circle of Jesus' followers. He did not join the disciples with a spirit of humble service; instead, he insinuated himself into their company by projecting an image of indispensable talent and superior judgment. In her analysis, Ellen White explains that "Judas had a high opinion of his own executive ability" (DA 559.3). He viewed himself as a financier who was "greatly superior to his fellow disciples," and he successfully "led them to regard him in the same light" (DA 559.3). This self-flattery was so deep that he believed "the church would often be brought into embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager" (HLv 477.1). By presenting himself as an "honor to the cause" (HLv 477.1), he gained a strong influence over the other disciples, which he later used to sow seeds of doubt. This influence became particularly destructive through what Ellen White calls his "artful insinuation" (DA 559.3). A primary example occurred during the feast at Simon’s house, where his critical comments about Mary’s expensive offering "caused them to look distrustfully upon Mary's devotion" (DA 559.3). While he appeared to be a dedicated worker, he was secretly {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"a channel through which to influence the other disciples" {{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}toward disaffection (HLv 478). Even after he had finalized the contract to betray his Master, he continued to insinuate himself into the group's activities, as he "mingled with the other disciples as though innocent of wrong" (5Red 4.1). For practical application, Judas’s experience serves as a stern warning against the dangers of pride and unconfessed sin. Ellen White points out that "the elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation" (DA 720.2). Judas’s habit of "tampering with sin" (DA 720.2) and his "covetous disposition" (HLv 477.2) eventually broke down all moral barriers when he was finally rebuked by Christ. Ultimately, Judas’s story illustrates that one can be in the closest physical proximity to Jesus while remaining spiritually distant. His life demonstrates that "wounded pride and desire for revenge" (HLv 478) can turn a heart to gall if the soul is not truly surrendered to the Savior’s influence. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the specific motives that led Judas to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver? • How did Jesus treat Judas even when He knew of his hypocrisy and impending betrayal? • What lessons does Ellen White draw from the contrast between Mary’s devotion and Judas’s criticism at the feast?