"Is it, Me?"

intro- No matter what portion of History you study, you are bound to run across epic stories of betrayal. One of the most infamous betrayals in american History was that of Benedict Arnold.

Benedict before he was a betrayer, was one of the most successful generals in the American army. He served as a General during the revolutionary war and led the charge in many great victories including the battle of saratoga. Then, many other generals began taking credit for what Benedict had done.

So enraged by this he agreed with his wife (who was loyal to Britain) to sell WestPoint to the British for 20,000 pounds (would be about 1 million today)- When his plot was discovered, he fled and became a general in the British army. Today, his name is still used as a byword referring to those guilty of committing treason.

It was shocking, it was heartbreaking, and it was infuriating to all who learned of his behavior.

You weren’t alive in the 1780’s to feel the betrayal of Arnold. However, I bet you have faced some betrayal in your life.

Being lied to, having things stolen, being taken advantage of, having those closest to you hurt you in ways you never would have dreamed that they would.

The darkest, most awful betrayal in the History of the world was not the actions of Arnold, or the hurt that we have experienced. It was When Judas betrayed our Lord.

I know many christian parents who have chosen to name their children after Bible characters. I don’t know anyone who has named their child after Judas.

Matthew 26:20–25 ESV

20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”

Describe the setting

This was a very dark and trying time… the politics were outrageous, the morals had gone out of the window, and there was an ever present threat due to associating with Jesus.

It was in this context that Judas caved to the pressure and betrayed our Lord.

Often times we are quick to be harsh with Judas… after all… He betrayed our savior. We also understand that Jesus was in control of the situation, If He wanted to stop Judas He easily could have… The question I want us to focus on is..

How can I make sure I remain faithful during dark times?

It was in this context that Judas caved to the pressure and betrayed our Lord.

Be willing to ask yourself hard questions

Imagine being in that room when Jesus makes the statement that a person in this room will betray him.

Typically our first response is, “It’s not me! It can’t be me! It must be someone else!”

“Ill- Preacher, you really let them have it this morning”

Each disciple (V.22) began to ask, “Is it I?”

It is so important that we stress to ourselves that it is possible, that we are standing in opposition to our Lord.

Far too many individuals believe that they are above question. I heard a preacher one time say that He had ben faithful to God for so long, that Satan had given up… He was sadly mistaken.

I would imagine that all of us who are present this morning feel as though we are on the Lord’s side… When is the last time that you have paused to really examine if that is the case?

each of the disciples could have instantly dismissed Jesus’ statement… I have given up the last three years of my life to follow you, I have.... But they didn’t they began to ask… Is it I?

Clearly define who Jesus is to you.

Something that is fascinating about this text are the terms that the disciples used.

V.22 states that the disciples began to ask, “Is it I, Lord?”

Lord- “A ruler, having dominion, authority and control, God.”

Judas in V. 25 asks the question, “Is it I, Rabbi?”

Rabbi- A teacher, or a great teacher.

This may well spark a little insight into Judas’ actions. The one who betrayed Jesus, did not call him Lord, but teacher.

Who is Jesus to you? If Jesus is a teacher, or even a great teacher. You will likely not honor Him the way you would if you believe Him to be your master, and your God.

If Jesus is my master....

I will set my heart/Life on the right path ( )

Matthew 7:21 ESV

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

meaning, If I have been saying the right things… Calling Jesus Lord… Worshipping God on Sunday’s… I’ll examine myself and say… Am I just calling Him Lord? Or am I actually doing what He says in my life?

I will look more like Him each day.

Luke 6:40 ESV

40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Jesus said that a disciple when fully trained will be like his master. If I am convinced that He is my master, I will be more like him each day.

AM I like Jesus in my love, forgiveness, kindness, my boldness in standing for the truth?