Judas Iscariot

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We are studying the events of the cross.

Today we take a close look at Judas, Judas Iscariot.

One of the 12 original disciples.

He witnessed many things.

The multiplying of bread and fishes. He was left standing there with a basket of leftovers.

The healings- He saw blind people see. He was there when cripples got up and picked up their mats.

The deliverances- he saw the man who would break his chains and terrorize the countryside come to the feet of Jesus and receive complete transformation and the demons flood a herd of pigs and throw themselves off the cliff. The young man who would throw himself into the fire- set free. Mary Magdalene with 7 demons, completely clean.

The teachings-

You cannot serve 2 masters...

Teach us how to pray- Our Father (mind blowing)

The beatitudes- blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who thirst for righteousness.

The Kingdom of Heaven- teachings. The pearl of great price, the mustard seed.

The relationships/ friendship with Jesus-

Jesus spent time with him. Poured himself into him.

Jesus washed his feet.

Jesus share the last supper with him.

Judas had quite the resume´ when it came to his religious experiences and the things he had witnessed.

What about his credentials as far as service goes?

He had left his home and family as well, to follow Jesus for 3 years.

He was the treasurer- he kept the whole show running when it came to finances and made sure that the poor were cared for.

He was a deacon, in fact the lead deacon.

He helped bring the sick to jesus to be healed.

He joined in on all the ministry activities that took place.

If Judas was alive today, and showed up to All Nations Church and wanted to worship here and serve here, would he be allowed to?

Probably!

If Judas was to enter a church looking for a lead pastor and hand them this resume´, would there be much deliberation, or would the search committee feel mighty relieved to have found the obvious candidate?

After all of this, Judas betrays Jesus.

After the warning from Jesus- the one who dips his hand in the bread with me.

After Jesus stated that one would betray him.

After Jesus took off the towel and washed his feet. Judas betrayed him…

And just look at the manner in which he betrays him with me.

He uses his relationship with Jesus to his benefit.

The one who I kiss.

So what was it that was so different and wrong about Judas that caused all of this?

Mary anoints Jesus for his burial, but Judas was upset that it wasn’t sold for the poor, but really he was a thief.

For Judas and for us too, it will always come down to not what we do, but why we do it?

Why was Judas doing thee things? Jesus was not his God, he was.

Idolatry of self. The big commandment of God- thou shalt not have any God before Me.

I want to suggest what was wrong with Judas, is the same thing wrong with any who sit here today who have not made Jesus their saviour and their Lord.

He was not regenerated neither are you. He was not saved neither are you.

We all are capable of the deepest betrayal of even one as loving and beautiful as Jesus.

We pick up the story- Judas hands Jesus over to be killed, and receives his 30 pieces of silver.

He has a change of heart, a twinge of guilt.

Did you know that after not listening to your conscience for so long, there comes a time when it’s too late?

He talks to the religious leaders. I have sinned, I am guilty of innocent blood.

Their response- what’s that to us? They don’t even deny it!?

He throws the silver at them goes and hangs himself.

Total depravity. - speak to this. him and the religious leaders.

He realized too late what we have the chance to know: It isn’t enough to be religious. To have all the right answers.

It isn’t even enough to feel guilty.

Your sin has to be removed-

Back to the cross. Why it all happened.

Here is a crazy thought: The very sin that Judas committed to betray Jesus was the sin that Jesus became, so that we might become the righteousness of God.

So what do we do?

We must be saved.

Repent, believe and be baptized.

Believe- Jesus paid it all once and for all. He is God and He is good.

Repent- Confess you are a sinner. Recognize your idols and turn from them, not just feel bad about it, but turn from it.

Be baptized- Why this? The bible tells us to. It is a public turning to Jesus. Not something done in the shadows and in private.

If you deny me, I will deny you.

Stand and let us consider these things and the state of our own heart as I pray for us.