A Story of Betrayal: Judas
Introduction:
Perhaps
there is not a greater; more well known story of betrayal than that involving
Judas & his ultimate betrayal by helping deliver Jesus to His death. His
legacy will live on in infamy
I. Who was Judas?
A.
Know nothing
about him b/f his call to b/c apostle.
1.
Mt. 10:4; Mk. 3:19; Lk. 6:16 - from town of Kerioth as indicated by his name.
B.
As Jesus
& his disciples traveled – it became necessary that one act as a
steward. Judas identified as the
treasurer. Jhn.
12:4-6; 13:29 – held the money bag.
1.
12:6 –
a short note describing his character.
C.
His betrayal
was foretold – John 6:66 – many disciples turned away followed
Jesus no more…
1.
6:67 – Jesus question; 6:68-69 – Peter’s assurance; 6:70
2.
12:3-9 – Judas protests Mary’s use of perfume to wash Jesus’ feet
– another description of his character.
D.
Of course
– he carries out the betrayal.
1.
Mt.
26:14-16; Mk. 14:10-11; Lk. 22:3-6 – received money from chief priests to
deliver Jesus to them.
II. A look at his character.
A.
name associated
with TRAITOR. Judas was a vile, corrupt
person.
1.
throughout history God often
uses those kind of people to carry out his divine plans. Rom. 9:17 –
Pharaoh
2.
OT – God worked through idolatrous; evil
nations to punish his people.
B.
He was
selfish; greedy & covetous.
1.
Jhn. 12:3-6
– did not care about the poor.
C.
A hypocrite
of the worst type.
1.
pretended to be
friend.
a)
Mt. 26:14-16 – betrayed a friend – His master for $$
b)
Mk. 14:43-46 – Token of betrayal – kiss.
D.
A closer look - Lk. 22:47-50. Note
question of Jesus.
1.
Judas needed
to be fully aware of his abominable act of treachery.
E.
He was a
coward. Mt. 27:1-5
1.
Mt. 27:3
– felt remorse – FEAR of consequences?
2.
27:5- hanged
himself.
3.
Mt. 27:4
– those with whom he conspired had no use for him
III. A few final thoughts & Lessons:
A.
God did not
make him do the evil – nor did God restrain him.
1.
Did he have
a choice in the matter?
2.
Jhn. 13:21-27 -
God allowed Judas to carry out evil deeds.
3.
13:27
– prompted by Satan’s evil influence.
B.
13:27
– Jesus does not prevent him from doing wrong.
Conclusion:
A.
There’s not
a friend like the lowly Jesus. Jhn. 3:16; Mt 20:28
B.
Take
advantage of his grace!