Sermon Tone Analysis

Despised

Intention in the betrayal

What motivates Judas’ betrayal?

3 points of sinful motivation

Pride - his viewpoint was consistent with what most of the other disciples thought, Jesus was going to set up His kingdom then and they would reign with Him

The problem: the others defaulted to trusting Jesus while Judas, in his arrogance did not waiver from his own viewpoint.

in his pride he was unteachable, he knew it all already

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Pride closes us off from outside input, it says we already know the answer and need no help

Two end points of the outcome spectrum of higher education:

I know everything you should listen to me

The more I know the more I realize how much I don’t know

The difference between the two: pride vs humility

Selfishness

Because Judas knew everything he sought to serve himself

The opposite of what Jesus taught him:

In response to the disciples discussing who is the greatest:

Mark 9:33-35 “And they came to Capernaum.

And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.

And he sat down and called the twelve.

And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.””

Judas sought to serve himself not others

In doing so he was willing to betray his savior to advance himself.

Failure to believe/trust God

In his pride and selfishness Judas failed to trust in God, he sought to trust in the things of the world.

If you place your hope in the things of the world (including yourself) you will not follow after Christ, you will follow what your hope is placed in

Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

You cannot serve God and money.””

Boldness of the Betrayed

Does not hide

The soldiers response tells us:

They didn’t expect Him to step up

They were most likely expecting a fleeing savior or a fight, not a standing firm savior

His words are powerful

Jesus’ responds 2x in this section with the statement ego eimi (I am).

John makes certain to include this in this encounter

It is at these words that the soldiers fall down.

There is a boldness in the proclamation of Christ as if to say (the soldiers would not fall down in battle…if so they would die.)

Isa.

45:23 “By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’”

Romans 14:11 “for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.””

Jesus’ words are powerful and the revelation of Himself as the great I Am would resonate.

Lesson for the disciple - Jesus does not hide or manipulate the situation

Stands in Truth - How difficult it is to sometimes hold fast in the midst of unjust times and situations.

The most unjust situation in the history of the creation is happening with the betrayal of Christ, and what does He do…He holds fast to truth.

I Am Yahweh…I am who you are looking for.

Commitment to God’s mission

John 18:11 “So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?””

Peter responds the way many would…with aggression - Christ responds with confidence in God’s plan.

In times of confusion we need to lean in on God’s sovereignty and trust

Detained

A lamb led

Contrast openly walking vs being led

Is. 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”

Something Peter will become familiar with

John 21:18-19 “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.)

And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.””

A broken clock - Caiaphas was almost right…If playing horseshoes he may get a partial point

John 18:14 “It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.”

John 11:50 “Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.””

How evil works - take a partial truth and pervert it for self-gain…

It is good to know that politics and politicians have not changed in the 2,000 years since Christ…or the 4,000 years prior too I suppose

Like a walnut veneer on top of particle board…looks like it has the characteristics and traits of walnut, but it is of poor quality below the surface and the entirety of it is a farce.

We must acknowledge our own failings in this area too…we also can be like this - a clean exterior filled with dead man’s bones.

Denied (Pt.

I)

Be careful where you think you are strong

How simple the turn of phrase falls off of his lips - “I am not”

The identification of what is stated is powerful -

I am not one of His

I am not a disciple

I am not a child of God

I am not a believer

Consider a few moments ago - he cut off a man’s ear

Look to the power of fear and confusion in the life of a disciple

he went from warrior to weakling in 7 verses

His response is the opposite of Christ’s response when directly questioned - I am vs.

I am not

Lesson for the believer: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Closing – revisit the confusion and our stance on standing firm on Truth and leaning into God’s Word - 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”