A Story of Betrayal: Judas
Matthew Allen
2002020
Subject: Judas; character flaws
Introduction:
A. Perhaps there is not a greater; more well know story of betrayal than that involving Judas & his ultimate betrayal by helping deliver Jesus to His death.
1. His legacy will live on in infamy
2. no one would name their child Judas.
B. Acts 2:22-23
1. Here it in God’s foreknowledge – according to God’s preordained purpose to see Jesus be delivered into the hands of Israel.
2. “Deliver” here means “surrendered” or “given over to.”
3. 1 Peter 1:20 – Jesus was foreordained before the foundation of the world.
4. God had a plan….to redeem man from sin.
C. Zech 11:10-13 – prophecy that Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.
1. from all of this we see that it was according to God’s divine purpose that Christ died.
2. it wasn’t that God could not prevent Christ’s death – it was according to his purpose.
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
2. was from town of Kerioth as indicated by his name.
3. “Judas Iscariot” literally means “Judas, man of Kerioth.” Located somewhere of Judea.
4. Speculate that he present at the preaching of John the Baptist.
5. But…was identified w/the original twelve – always last.
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
2. 6:68-69 – Peter’s assurance
3. 6:70
4. 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.
a) all the while – he conceals his treachery – for he remains w/the disciples.
2. Later…..chief priest would arrest Jesus – ultimately putting him to death.
II. A look at his character.
A. name associated with TRAITOR.
1. Judas was a vile, corrupt person.
2. throughout history God often uses those kind of people to carry out his divine plans.
a) Rom. 9:17 – Pharaoh
b) OT – God worked through idolatrous; evil nations to punish his people.
3. interesting that such a person was even to be chosen a disciple of Christ.
B. He was selfish; greedy & covetous.
1. Jhn. 12:3-6 – did not care about the poor.
a) many today of same character.
b) Paul warned of this – 1 Tim. 6:10
2. Some live only behind a pretense of good; hide their true character to gain their selfish desires.
3. today…people willing to exploit poor/unfortunate for their own profit.
4. Judas…not concerned about poor – He was a thief; embezzler; wanted funds for his use.
5. This lead him to his downfall. – pierced himself through w/many sorrows.
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 – make your stomach turn? Token of betrayal – kiss.
D. A closer look - Lk. 22:47-50. Note question of Jesus.
1. was Jesus unaware of Judas’ intentions?
2. statement to make Judas fully aware of his abominable act of treachery.
3. Jesus wanted him to be fully aware that he condemned himself by using holy/sacred act to commit a vile deed.
4. He had disguised his enmity under cloak of friendship.
5. Hard to imagine anything more wicked than this.
6. When we gain friends we need to be loyal. Not turn against them.
1. sad when people don’t stand by each other for sake of honor; truth; or right principle.
2. some stand by silently while others take blame for our misdeeds.
E. He was a coward.
1. Mt. 27:1-5
2. only when he realized that
a) Jesus was condemned
b) Was he concerned that he had sinned.
c) Didn’t seem worried over suffering/beating of Jesus or the atroshiness of his actions.
3. Mt. 27:3 – was remorseful – NKJV or felt remorse – NASV
a) not kind of sorrow leading to salvation
b) just a change from selfish satisfaction/personal gain to FEAR of consequences.
c) Scared – b/c he now found himself condemned.
4. 27:5- hanged himself.
a) weak/cowardly – no courage to correct his life.
5. Mt. 27:4 – even the ones w/whom he conspired had no use for him.
a) only thing he had in common was evil act they perpetrated.
b) Evil people w/evil hearts cannot trust anyone.
c) People who have no right principle to draw them together have no principle at all to hold them together in the face of difficulty. (Leo Rogol)
III. A few final thoughts & Lessons:
A. God did not make him do the evil – nor did God restrain him.
1. Ask? If this was/is God’s plan did God make Judas do this? Did he have a choice in the matter?
2. Jhn. 13:21-27
a) Jesus foretold what Judas would do. Allowed Judas to carry out evil deeds.
b) Jesus used no power/force/influence to cause him to perform the evil.
3. 13:27 – prompted by Satan’s evil influence.
B. 13:27 – Jesus does not prevent him from doing wrong.
1. 13:27 – do quickly.
2. Judas had good opportunity to benefit from teachings of Christ & change his evil nature.
3. Note: Jesus did not beg; plead; compromise; or flatter him to refrain him from doing evil.
4. Same true now…
a) some …why does God allow evil…b/c each man makes up his own mind as to what he will do to serve God.
b) Mt. 16:24 – personal/conscious decision.
5. Each one of us makes this decision – follow/turn away or obey/disobey.
Conclusion:
A. There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus.
1. Jhn. 3:16; Mt 20:28
2. willingly offered himself on our behalf.
3. take advantage of his grace!
B. Christians…relationship w/Christ. Think of how Jesus is your friend.
1. Seen in picture of ultimate betrayal.
2. Imagine how it is to Jesus when we willfully enter into sin!
C. Need to obey gospel? Do it today!
D. I N V I T A T I O N
