Notwithstanding the Saviour's own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude. He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the 719 project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter.

På trods af Frelserens egen lære fremkom Judas bestandig med den tanke, at Kristus skulle herske som konge i Jerusalem. Da de fem tusinde var blevet mættet, forsøgte han at iværksætte dette. Ved denne lejlighed hjalp Judas med til at uddele maden til den sultende skare. Han havde lejlighed til at se de velgerninger, som det stod i hans magt at tildele andre. Han følte den tilfredsstillelse, der altid følger med at være i Guds tjeneste. Han var behjælpelig med at føre de syge og lidende fra skaren til Kristus. Han så, hvilken befrielse, hvilken fryd og glæde der fylder menneskehjerterne ved Genløserens helbredende magt. Han havde mulighed for at fatte Kristi fremgangsmåde; men han var forblindet af sine egne egoistiske ønsker. Judas var den første, der ville drage fordel af den begejstring, der blev vakt ved bespisningsunderet. Det var ham, der kom frem med forslaget om at tage Kristus med magt og kåre ham til konge. Hans forhåbninger var store, og hans skuffelse var bitter.