Judas: The Traitor

Introduction: J.R.R. Tolkien was one of the most talented story tellers of history. In his work Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring he writes about a small band of willing warriors that will execute a cunning and dangerous plan to destroy the most powerful weapon of the enemy, Sauron. Sauron’s goal is to undo the band. The Ring of Power whispers to the company, enticing each of them to steal and use it for their own purposes. That’s the power of the ring, that it corrupts the mind in hopes that one will do a dramatic act. Ultimately, the ring sets in it’s gaze the querry of young Boromir, a prince of the Land of Gondor, who is constantly tormented by the Mordor. Boromir as many a heartbroken reader has read waits for the opportune time when no one else but the ring bearer and he are present and seeks to take the ring from Frodo. Boromir betrays his company and betrays our hearts.

Who is Judas Iscariot:

Name means: Yahweh Leads, Ish kerioth (of kerioth

Son of Simon

Only disciple from the province of Judea and not Galilee

Listed last in all disciple lists he is in included in.

His role among the disciples was the holder of the common purse, he tracked expenses and income. (John 12:1-5).

We don’t have a call story for Judas.

Character:

Good

Given authority by Jesus along with the other disciples to heal the sick and diseased as well as cast out unclean spirits. (Luke 9:1)

Chose to stay with Jesus after hearing the hardest teachings John 6:60-70

Chose to go with Jesus to Bethany and “die with him” (John 11:16)

Bad

He kept the Common Purse but frequently stole from it (John 12:6)

He criticized the use of the expensive perfume used to anoint Jesus.

He chooses to identify Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with a kiss (kiss represents hospitality and affection toward the guest)

Jesus responds

Jesus chose Judas to follow him but knew Judas’s heart was in turmoil. (John 6:70)

You will always have the poor with you but you will not always have me.

Jesus invited Judas to participate in the Last Supper (John 13:10-11)

As soon as Judas shared the meal with Jesus he gave himself over to be used by Satan (John 13:27)

You betray me with a kiss? (John 22:48)

Learning points

Judas had all the best opportunities.

Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse— who can understand it?”

When you don’t deal with the sin in your life you can’t live a transformed life. (Wesley’s historic questions)

Judas allowed sin to be present in his life and that became the vulnerability for Satan to push him over the edge.

Jesus knew everything that Judas wrestled with and likely pleaded in intercession (Satan asked to sift Peter like wheat) for his followers. Jesus gave Judas every opportunity. He responded by keeping Judas close to his side, gave him power over the things of darkness for his own life, and brought him to the table for the Last Supper so that he may be served. Jesus offered grace, opportunity, and space for Judas to receive the transformation of his heart. But Judas never took the necessary step.

Judas broke away from Jesus, he rejected him. That is what hell is.

Not everyone who says to me Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven.

Judas kept Jesus at arm’s length.

Hell is separation from God. It is the choice of a free being.

How do we avoid being Judas?

Jesus chose Judas to follow him so that he could experience God’s closeness but Judas kept God at a distance.

Judas was given authority and power over disease and demons but never received freedom for his own life.

Judas heard Jesus teach but never learned.

Judas witnessed miraculous healings but never received healing for his own heart.

Judas witnessed Jesus as Messiah but never allowed Jesus to witness to his own life.

Jesus chose Judas but Judas didn’t choose Jesus.

Judas loved the fanfare, notoriety, power, and fame but rejected humility, generosity, service, and sacrifice.

The more detached the bearer is from his possession, the less possessed is he by it.

Joseph Pearce

God calls us, God chooses us but we must do the work of examining our own lives, be honest about our inward thoughts, words, and actions, and pray for the Holy Spirit to shine on any unholiness in us so that we may repent and turn towards God in fullness.

Conclusion

Boromir realized shortly after his action that he had attempted the unthinkable and betrayed. He became resolute and sought to defend those of his company as best he could, losing his life in the process. Judas realized he treachery. The Bible tells us he went back and threw the 30 pieces of silver at the Jewish leaders confessing his sin. “I have betrayed innocent blood” His plea fell on deaf ears. The Bible goes on to say that he went and hung himself. The tradition of the church teaches that Judas hung himself from a Cerci siliquastrum known for its reddish flowers colored like blood before the leaves come out.

Jesus loved Judas and wanted him to have every possible chance to be transformed. Ultimately, Judas would not allow himself to take that step. Don’t be Judas, you have the opportunity to receive Jesus and be transformed in ways you never though possible.

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**Call to Worship**

**Leader:** Come, all who are chosen by God, who are called His children, cherished and loved beyond measure.

**People:** We come to remember that God has chosen us and called us by name.

**Leader:** Just as the disciples walked with Jesus, so too do we walk with our Lord. His presence is with us every step of the way.

**People:** We come to walk with our God, knowing that He is close, guiding us with His love and grace.

**Leader:** We gather as a community of believers, bringing our brokenness and our imperfections before Him.

**People:** We come as we are, trusting that God will perfect us in His love, making us whole.

**Leader:** Let us worship our God, who calls us His own, walks beside us, and transforms us by His grace.

**All:** Amen.

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This call to worship emphasizes our identity as God's children, our journey with Him, and our shared worship as a community of believers. Feel free to modify it further to suit your congregation's needs.