Example is a powerful tool—children learn to talk by following the example of their peers, supervisors often show their subordinates how to complete a difficult task, and Christians seek to show the world how to live. We have a great example in Jesus, an example so great that Paul could encourage the Corinthians to follow him to the extent that he himself followed Christ (1 Cor 11:1). With Jesus as such a supreme and marvelous example, what could Judas ever teach us? Judas partly teaches us how to deal with our sin. He didn’t finish his repentance well—he went and hanged himself. But, Judas certainly began his repentance well—he specifically named the sin he had committed.

Too many today want to act as though sin is not a big deal—they might say things like, “If I have sinned” or they might call a sin a mistake or a lapse in judgment. God expects more from his people. God expects us to confess our sins so that we might find redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation. In this way, Judas sets a good example.