Smooth Criminals is my definition of a godly people or religious people who committed a crime. But, of course, many people could not believe or expect that they could do these such things. 

So, in this case, I'm talking about Judas and the religious leader who committed the famous crime in history: The crucifixion of Jesus. They are guilty of the charge of the murder of an innocent man on the cross, do multiple bribery (to Judas and create a false conspiracy theory), and systematic injustice.

What can we learn from this case?

Shows me your friends

We are familiar with the phrase "show me your friends, and I can show you the future."

Judas was one of the twelve disciples. Godly people and the Son of God himself surround him. But, look how the end of his life! How come he betrays Jesus and commits suicide?! 

Judas is also the treasury of Jesus's ministry. He begins his criminal path by being a thief - stealing from the fund of the ministry and becoming the person who assists in killing Jesus.  

But, did he become more greedy? So, when the religious leader offers him thirty silver coins to betray His teacher, and he agrees with it?! Luke 22 explains that it turned out Satan entered into Judas. So, that's why Judas decided to betray Jesus. And even the religious leaders couldn't believe their good luck why Judas easily accepted the money. 

What?!! Satan will not enter your life if you don't open a window for them to come and lay a path for them to grow. What you did in the 'hidden room' - when no one watches you are matters.  

'Private decision has public implications' - Andy Stanley.

Let me rephrase this once more "Show me your friends, and I can show you the future. But your friends didn't determine your future. It is your own responsibility to guard your heart and your life." 

Who holds your accountability?

Many people think that they are godly people, and they are so proud of their godliness. But their action may say otherwise. So, who holds your accountability?

The religious leader begins from 'didn't like Jesus.' Their heart becomes darker and darker from 'dislike' to a plot to kill Jesus. They got lucky to be able to bribe Judas to help them show where Jesus is. Their plan worked and crucified Jesus on the cross. And do even more extensive bribery to create a conspiracy theory that the disciples stole the body of Jesus. 

Outside Inner Circle

I wonder if anyone from their circle or someone from their organization had ever spoken up and said, 'I think this is wrong. We must stop!' Did they just shut them up?! Did they don't have any conscience and morals? Numerous people - leaders from top to down -committed this crime, not just one or two people. Their culture is like a toxic - systematic injustice. 

The Outsider

I know Jesus had several times pointed out that they didn't do what they taught. But, Jesus was an outsider.

Moral of the Story

This story is not to blame others or point fingers. But it is a reminder because it could be you and me. We could fall into the trap like the religious leaders. You surround yourself with the people who have the same 'value' as you, but if you don't want to listen to the warning from outside the inner circle and the outsider, you might end up making a bad mistake. 

Do you that we have a tendentious, "When we feel powerful, we are less open to the perspectives of others" - Francesca Gino. That's why we tend to ignore the warning from others. But, of course, we need to discern what people say to us so that you don't have to swallow all their words or thought. 

So, here's a thought:  

If you think that your inner circle is enough to be your accountability circle... THINK TWICE!!! Maybe you think you are doing the right things, but what if you are on the wrong side? 

Could we be humble enough and be open-minded to receive feedback? Could we embrace others who have a different way of thinking? Would we listen to each other without judgment? Finally, and most importantly, do we guard our hearts and life to stay pure and holy?  

I believe that we could be better people - leaders - community/organization when we hold each other accountable. Create a safe place to be vulnerable and a room to make mistakes.  

Even we do a wrong thing, remember that Jesus dies for us to redeem our sin. We are forgiven. Don't let shame and guilty bring you down. 

This post is my personal notes from the Westmark Bible Study assignment. So, every week we read two chapters together and share what we learned or found from them. Let’s learn and grow together.