Judas's Replacement Is Chosen

When you were growing up, how did you and your friends choose teams for games of kickball, tag, or other such games?

Last week, we looked at the final words and ascension of Christ. This week, we are going to see the events immediately following. With Jesus being gone, someone had to step up. Someone had to speak. We are going to see who that someone was, as well as the Godliness that was in the midst.

Who took the leadership among the early Christians? (v. 15)

Luke 22:32 NKJV

But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

According to the records that we have, Peter experienced more first-hand lessons from Christ than any of the other apostles. Peter had a knack for sticking his foot in his mouth. He was just that guy. He was quick to speak and that got him into trouble. But....his heart was always in the right spot and Jesus knew that this was a quality of a leader, if it could be harnessed and controlled.

Jesus allowed Peter to learn many lessons the hard way, but one of the most impactful of them all was when Peter denied Christ. Even after the events unfolded, I don’t think this was something that Peter ever really for over.

We all have had defining moments in our lives. We all have had experiences that were so impactful that it changed us forever. This was Peter’s.

During that exhortation, Jesus makes Peter aware that Satan had requested his very person, that he might bring all the forces of hades upon him, but Jesus stood in the gap. Even so, Peter would deny Christ. These words of instruction from Jesus must have been ringing in the ears of Peter as he sat there with the rest of the disciples, awaiting the promised events of their Savior.

Peter remembered the words Jesus had made unto him and then began to think how he might accomplish this....

How did Peter take leadership of the early Christians after Jesus’ ascension? (vv. 15-17)

He stood before them and spoke....just like His master had done many times before. But, he knew he couldn’t speak before them with promises of faithfulness. The last time he did that, it did not turn our so well.

He could not let emotions drive the speech, for Peter had learned the heard way that emotions were frail and inconsistent.

He could not use reason, for his own reason had not always been sound.

He could not use passion, for even that got him trouble when he cut off the ear of Malcus.

Matter of fact, it could not be anything that spawned from him at all. If something were to bring these followers of Christ into unity so that they might begin to look forward instead of backward, it would have to come from Christ.

What element served as the foundation and guide of Peter’s actions? (vv. 16; 20)

It was the Word.

Psalm 41:9 NKJV

Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.

What happened as a result of Judas’s actions? (vv. 18-20)

He lost his witness. He lost his life. His money and the land it purchased both were cursed. He went down into history as the man who betrayed Christ.

What action did Peter feel necessary in order to be obedient? (vv. 21-22)

The group had to find a replacement for Judas. They needed another man to join the cause of Christlike leadership and Gospel dispersion.

What criteria was used in selecting Judas’s replacement? (vv. 21-22)

They had to be present from the beginning, an eyewitness of Christ, and a faithful follower.

How did the apostles choose Judas’s successor and who was chosen? (vv. 24-26)

They prayed to God, cast lots, and it fell upon Matthias.

Why is prayer important in our decision making process?

God is truly in control of all things. When we pray, we are admitting our need for His guidance and acknowledging the power and influence He has over all things.

What steps can we take to include God in all important decisions we make?

We can put a process in place.

We can have accountability partners.

We can include our kids into our decisions (when permissible) and explain our need for God’s guidance.