Sermon Tone Analysis

Matthew 27:1-10

Introduction

A difficult text

How did Judas die?

Matthew tells us he hanged himself.

Luke (Acts 1:18-19) says he fell.

It would seem that having hanged himself that sometime later his body fell into a ravine.

The money he returned would have been used to purchase the field.

Where is the verse in Jeremiah?

The verse quoted here is not found in Jeremiah, rather it is found in Zechariah 11:12-13.

The best possible explanation is that Matthew was referring to teaching that is found in Jeremiah 19 and Zechariah 11.

These passages teach about the apostasy and rejection that Jesus would experience.

Difficult theology

Bible students have struggled with the case of Judas.

Was he truly born again, if so did he die lost?

If not how could he have been a disciple and not been saved?

We will examine these questions today.

A definite warning

Judas stands as a warning to each of us of the danger of a false profession.

*2 Peter 1:10-11 *Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

\\ 1A.

A Fatal Course

Judas did not arrive at this place in his life over night.

As is always the case sin progresses downward.

Notice the progression in Judas’ life.

1B.

He was greedy (John 12:1-6)

He was the treasurer for the group.

John tells us he was thief.

Obviously he was not pleased with the management or direction of the ministry.

In fact his betrayal of Jesus was about the money.

*1 Timothy 6:10* For the love of money is a root of all /kinds of /evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2B.

He was self-centered

He cared only about himself that is why he betrayed Jesus and took the cash.

3B.

He despaired and died

Judas surely justified his betrayal of Jesus by telling himself that Jesus had betrayed and misled him.

Jesus was not going to be an earthly king, and Judas had wasted three years of his life.

However, the reality of Jesus innocence was more than Judas could take.

As is true with all men left to themselves, sin ultimately leads to despair and death.

*Romans 6:23*

*Proverbs 14:12* There is a way /that seems /right to a man, But its end /is /the way of death.

\\ 2A.

A False Confession

1B.

Judas confessed he was a sinner (27:4)

Many people have confessed that they are sinners.

Ø      Pharaoh (Exodus 9 & 10)

Ø      Balaam (Numbers 22:34)