Bad Boys of Easter | Part 2 | The Pretender | Chris Voigt

The Pretender
The Bad Boys of Easter
April 10, 2022

Back in the late 90’s there was an American television drama called The Pretender. Maybe you’re familiar with it. The storyline revolved around a young man named Jarod; a genius impostor who could quickly master the complex skill set needed to impersonate someone in any profession. Kidnapped as a child and raised by an organization known as The Centre, Jarod’s abilities were exploited for their sinister purposes. Eventually, as an adult, Jarod escapes. He goes on the run, moving from place to place, utilizing his unique abilities for good. In each episode, Jarod assumes a new professional identity, such as doctor, lawyer, soldier, or pilot, in order to investigate a crime for which an innocent person has been framed, and ultimately deliver justice to the real guilty party. He traded a ‘secure’ life aiding those whose plans were motivated by power and greed, for the unpredictable life of a fugitive, but one where he could use his skills for the benefit of others.
 
This week, in our series The Bad Boys of Easter, we’re taking a look at a guy who was a pretender, a thief, and a con man. He was motivated by his own agenda... what’s in this for me? When following Jesus seemed like the most profitable option, he was in. But when Jesus didn’t live up to his expectations, when his hopes were disappointed, he flipped and aligned himself with those who offered what looked like a better deal. He traded his relationship with Jesus for a little bit of cash.
I invite you to join us this Sunday as we consider the choices of Judas.
 
Sooner or later, all of us experience disillusionment, disappointment and dissatisfaction. And it’s in those moments that we consider whether or not we should make a trade. Sometimes those pain points can prompt us to make good changes that benefit us and others. But there are also times when we are tempted to take a short cut, to give in and exchange what we ultimately want, for what would feel good right now. What kind of trades are you making?