Handling Difficult Situations God's Way

Handling Bad Situations God’s Way

Matthew 26:46-56

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

Living in a fallen world means going through hardships in life is unavoidable. Who has not had an unexpected expense occur so large that they thought this might be the one that drives them in bankruptcy? Who has not had a heated fight with their spouse or child so intense that they thought they might never return home after their brisk departure? Who has not had a physical ailment serious enough to make one wonder if one was going to live or die? Who has not had a friend or colleague stab them in the back to try to destroy their reputation? Since many hardships are unavoidable, we are left with the challenge of how to make the “best” out of bad situations. While the world defines “best” as any choice that benefits “self” the most, God defines “best” as any choice that is made by seeking and obeying His will. Even though we know that perseverance leads to spiritual growth, it is not always easy to have faith and stay on God’s course. Whether we choose to follow the ways of this world or God matters for choice is not only where sin dwells but also where Christian maturity begins. In today’s sermon I am going to review Judas’, the large crowd’s, Peter’s, the disciples’ and Jesus’ response to His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane to emphasize both the wrong and right way to handle difficult situations.

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Matthew 26:47-49, NIV

What is in it for me?

The last time that we saw Judas was in the upper room during the Last Supper. During the meal Jesus told the disciples that one of the twelve who dipped his bread in the bowl with Him would betray Him. One by one they said to Jesus “surely you don’t mean me?” (Mark 14:17-20). Jesus remained silent for each of their questions, all except Judas in which He said, “you have said so” (Matthew 26:25) … in other words, you are the betrayer. One can only imagine how Judas must have felt. As one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Himself (Luke 6:12-16), surely, he was secure in his position in God’s kingdom? Had he not shown commitment to Jesus by giving up everything to follow Him (Matthew 19:27)? Was he not numbered amongst the twelve disciples that Jesus told to go to the lost sheep of Israel, heal the sick, cleanse the leapers and cast out demons (Matthew 10:5-8)? To his horror Jesus’ earlier words:

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

were meant for him! Even though he said “Lord, Lord” and did miracles, he was not part of Jesus’ family! One can only imagine the hurt and pain Judas felt in that very moment, for He knew the words of Christ “you have said so” echoed in his heart the truth … he had never truly given his allegiance over to Jesus!

Judas faced a very bad situation! Can you imagine being told you are not saved and worse yet that “it would have been better for you if you had not been born” (Matthew 26:24)? How did Judas respond to knowing the truth that he was the betrayer? He could have asked Jesus to forgive his wicked heart and pledge his allegiance to Him that very moment (1 Corinthians 12:23). After all, Jesus forgave and let into the kingdom the tax collectors and prostitutes (Luke 5:29-31), so why not him? Instead of choosing the righteous path, Judas departed from Jesus and the others during the Last Supper so that he could privately make the necessary arrangements to betray Him (cf. John 13:26–30). Why did he do it? Was it out of jealousy? Was it out of disappointment that Jesus was not going to be the expected Messiah who was to conquer Rome? Was it due to resentment that he had wasted three years of his life and now the Messiah would be soon dead? While we do not know exactly why Judas chose to betray Jesus; his fee of 30 shekels of silver clearly outlined one of his main reasons! He who had given up everything to serve in the kingdom of God wanted to be paid!