Mark 3:14-15 “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons” Mark 6:7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. Luke 9:10 “And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done.”
One thing for sure I have observed that where there are sheep now there are also many wolves, for where there are real Christians there are also the the pretenders amongst them now, today as well. The pretender, imposter, wolf in sheep clothing do now show up for all kind of reasons even to seduce the sheep. They masquerade as pastors,, assistant pastors, elders, youth ministers, Bible college students now as well.
But a close examination daily reveals these pretender, imposter, wolf in sheep clothing really have not changed, they are self centered, unloving, tend to lack compassion and consideration for any others.
The pretender, imposter, wolf in sheep clothing even the Judas Iscariot is noted in history as the one who betrayed Him (Jesus). Yet Judas was first numbered among the Twelve apostles (Luke 6:13, 22:3; Acts 1:16-17 numbered with us), “chosen” by Christ Himself, so how next did the “Apostle Judas” became also the traitor? What drove him to his immoral acts. The reality is that he had never died to self or to the love of money too.
John 12:2-8 “There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denari and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
Judas, also he called Jesus teacher always, he never called Jesus Lord or master as the other apostles did. Judas accepted him only as Rabbi.
There are two people in the Bible who are called the “Son of Perdition,” Judas and the Antichrist!! It also seems both are very much into money. The Bible says the Pharisees loved money and so did Judas, so they had a common affection. This is why they were able to bribe Judas to betray our Lord. The love of money, the root of all evil, the love of what money now next can buy as well, often shows us whether a person now is a real Christian, or a pretender, imposter, wolf in sheep clothing.
“Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!” You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. “For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity” (Acts 8:20-23).
(Acts 20:29 KJV) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
(Acts 20:30 KJV) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
(Acts 20:31 KJV) Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
(Acts 20:32 KJV) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
(Acts 20:33 KJV) I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
(Acts 20:34 KJV) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
(Acts 20:35 KJV) I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.