Bible Study Notes "Easter Series-J.D. Graer Message 1

What is the most unexpected gift you have ever received?

Elkins, WV-(6,755 people)-Blackwater Falls State Park, Monongahela National Forest-Wyngate Inn-Snoeshoe Ski Resort, Canaan Valley Resort Stake Park

What was your response when you opened it?

Judas

What was Judas like?

Judas Iscariot is one of the twelve original disciples chosen by Jesus, known infamously for betraying the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. His name is consistently listed last among the apostles in the Gospels, often with the qualifier “who also betrayed Him” (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16). Judas served as the treasurer of the group but was described as dishonest, helping himself to what was put into the money bag (John 12:4-6). Despite being in close fellowship with Jesus, Judas allowed greed and Satanic influence to dominate his heart (Luke 22:3), ultimately leading him to betray Jesus with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:47-50).

After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas was filled with remorse and attempted to return the silver to the chief priests and elders, confessing, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:3-4). However, instead of seeking forgiveness from God, he cast the money into the temple and went away to hang himself (Matthew 27:5). His tragic end serves as a sobering reminder of how proximity to Christ does not guarantee faithfulness and how unrepented sin can lead to despair and destruction. Acts 1:18-20 records his death and the need to replace him among the apostles, underscoring the consequences of his betrayal and the continued mission of the early church.

Acts 1:18–20 “18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. 19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’”

In what ways did Judas misunderstand Jesus?

Matthew 26:6-16.

Matthew 26:14–16 “14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.”

In what ways does the truth about Judas change the way you think of him?

What, if anything makes you frustrated with Jesus?

-consistently challenging me. Not allowing me to get comfortable. Placing people around me that cause me to deeper my understanding of the things of God.

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