My cousin had asked if we had read a book called “Your Story has a Villain” and although I had not read it , the title reminded me of a sermon I recently heard that really made me think. It spoke about Judah—not just as one of the twelve tribes, but Judah the man, one of Joseph’s brothers who sold him into slavery—and also about Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. In particular, it painted Judas as the “villain” of the Gospel story.

And here’s the deeper truth: every great story has a hero, but often, that hero is only revealed through the presence of struggle, betrayal, or opposition. Without Judas betraying Jesus, the events leading to the cross—the very act that brought salvation to mankind—would not have unfolded the way they did.

It’s not that we glorify the villain, but we recognize that even the worst choices can still serve God’s greater plan. As Genesis 50:20 reminds us:

“What you intended for evil, God intended for good.”

In life, we will encounter people who hurt us, betray us, or challenge us. We may not like them or understand why they’re part of our story. But sometimes, without their role—without that storm—we wouldn’t grow, and God’s purpose in our life wouldn’t be revealed in the same way.

Everyone plays a role in the story God is writing—good, bad, or somewhere in between. And praise God, He alone is the Author and the Finisher (Hebrews 12:2), working all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28)

 

Rev. Carlos Figueroa