Rejected Redeemer

Luke 22:1–6 NKJV

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Main Idea: God desires to save and will use even the most wicked to accomplish His purposes.

Motivating Thought: My desire is that we would greater realize the wickedness of our own heart.

Key Question: How far will you go?

1. Rejecting Jesus leads to a life impacted by fear. (v. 2)

Luke 22:2 NKJV

And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.

Hebrews 2:15 NKJV

and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Matthew 10:28 NKJV

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

2. Rejecting Jesus leads to anything. (v. 3)

Luke 22:

Luke 22:3 NKJV

Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.

Acts 5:3 NKJV

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

Romans 1:18–32 NKJV

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

2 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV

And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”

3. Rejecting Jesus leads to wicked happiness. (v. 5)

Luke 22:5 NKJV

And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.

Hebrews 11:25 NKJV

choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

Psalm 10:3–4 NKJV

For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; He blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord. The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.

4. Rejecting Jesus leads to desperate desires. (v. 4, 6)

Luke 22:4 NKJV

So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them.

Luke 22:6 NKJV

So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.

“sought” = “to devote serious effort to realize one’s desire”

James 1:14–15 NKJV

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

to devote serious effort to realize one’s desire