When The Worship Ends Trouble Begins
John 12:4-11
Many years ago I was present in a dynamic worship service. The Spirit was moving and people were being obedient to the Lord. Just as the time of praise began, someone got up and went to the altar to pray. Then someone went to pray with that person. As the service moved on others got up and began to go and pray. Hands were raised and heads were bowed. Tears of joy were streaming down the face of the worshippers. Then someone got up and began to testify. Then another and another, before you knew it a testimony service had broken out… IT WAS AMAZING.
Then it happened… A malcontent that was present decided that this testimony service was a great time to stand and voice his opposition to a decision that was made during the business meeting the week before. The pastor simply stated that now was not the time or place to discuss that and he rightly proclaimed that the worship service was about Jesus and nothing else. The malcontent sat down and dropped the issue. But as a result the atmosphere of worship was affected greatly. The spirit of praise and adoration had been replaced with tension and anger. No longer were hands raised and heads bowed… Not one more testimony was shared. In fact the songs that followed were empty and the response was dead. The pastor noticeably struggled just to preach the sermon. Though the actions of one man, the enemy had won a huge battle.
Satan does not want Jesus to be worshipped. He does not want you to see Jesus for Who He is and offer Him the praise that He deserves. And he will do whatever it takes to kill the spirit of worship in your life and in this church! And anytime that the enemy succeeds in hindering or stopping our worship… trouble will soon follow. This fact is illustrated clearly in the verses that we will consider this evening.
I want to return to the house of Simon The Leper and preach on this fact “When The Worship Ends Trouble Begins”. This is a continuation of last’s weeks message “Worship At The Feet Of Jesus”.
In verses 1- 3 we are introduced to a beautiful picture of worship in the life of Mary. There were several believers gathered at Simon’s house. As we survey the scene there are many different reactions to Jesus’ presence in this house.
1) Lazarus and Simon are at the table enjoying fellowship with Jesus.
2) Martha is stirring around with a desire to serve Jesus.
3) Mary is at His feet worshipping Him.
4) Judas and the other disciples were there listening to Him.
Then, after a while something amazing happens…. Mary takes a box filled with ointment or “perfume” and anoints the feet of her Master and then washes His feet with her hair. No doubt this action got the attention of each person present that evening. We are told that the aroma of the “perfume” filled the house. As we closed last week I speculated on a certain scenario and I would like to review that scenario before we move further. I can’t help but think that when the others witnessed this act of worship that it may have filled their hearts with joy.
- Perhaps they began to ponder the greatness of the Savior…
- Maybe Lazarus began to think of the amazing miracle that Jesus performed in his life.
- Perhaps Simon the Leper thought back to the day that Jesus made him whole
- Maybe Martha thought back to the sorrow she faced and the joy she experienced as Lazarus come from the tomb.
- Perhaps the other Disciples thought about the many miracles that they had witnessed at the hands of Jesus.
It is very possible that a good ol worship service may have broken out…. if Judas hadn’t opened his big mouth! We will never know what might have been because Judas spoke up and said - v5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
His declaration that the ointment should have been sold and the money given to the poor sounds noble on the surface, until we are told in verse 6 what was really in his heart - 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Judas was the treasurer of the group and it is believed by many that he would embezzle from the funds. Jesus then defends Mary’s actions - v7 then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. In this statement, Jesus again references His impending death.
Not everyone that was present that day was thrilled with Jesus and His actions:
1) Some Were Intrigued - v9 much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
Word had spread about this miracle worker who raised people from the dead. I believe that there were some who were curious and watching to see what happened next. Maybe there were some who were doubtful and had to see Lazarus for themselves.
We also know that some of them believed on Jesus. Notice: - v11 because that by reason of him {Lazarus} many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. - This caused problems for the religious leaders, and we see that in the crowd that day:
2) Some Were Indignant- v10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
The chief priests were furious and were ready to put an end to this movement that they despised so much. They were already looking for a way to put Jesus to death, now they even mention killing Lazarus as well. Little did they know that they were about to be presented with an offer from one of those closest to Jesus.
Look at what happened in - Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Understand this… The Chief priests did not seek out Judas, HE WENT TO THEM! Apparently the issues that Judas has kept suppressed finally came to the surface. Judas says “I will give Him to you, but what is in it for me?” The 2 parties agreed on the sum of 30 pieces of silver. And from that moment on Judas began to look for the opportunity to betray Christ.
Sometimes the people who seem to be the closest to Jesus are the ones who cause the most damage in the church. Judas played his part so well that no one but Jesus Himself knew that Judas was a fraud. Judas didn’t stand out. He was a false follower and no one ever noticed!
There very well may be someone here tonight who is simply playing the part of a Christian instead of truly being born again. If that is the case, that person will be the one to hinder the true worship of Jesus and begin to cause trouble in the assembly.
Let’s take a quick look at Judas’ life and see “The trouble that began when the worship ended”
From the moment he interrupted the worship of Mary, Judas became involved in the greatest betrayal in the history of the world.
And those that would cause trouble in the church today share many similarities with Judas Iscariot.
I. CONSIDER THE COMPREHENSION OF A TROUBLEMAKER
A. THEY KNOW THE PEOPLE - Matthew 10:2-4
Judas was numbered with the other disciples. He had traveled with them… talked with them … lived with them! People recognized him as one of Christ’s followers. Today there are men and women who are members of churches, have made professions of faith, have been baptized, teach classes, serve on committees, stand in pulpits and some even have multi-million dollar ministries.
There are many who walk and SERVE alongside true disciples. They are numbered with the followers of Christ but they do not truly know Him!
Not only did Judas know the people…
B. THEY KNOW THE PLACES- John 18:1 ¶When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
When it came time to betray Christ, Judas knew exactly where to find Him! Judas had been with Jesus and the others in this place several times before. He knew where to go!
This is very similar to many people today, they know the routine… When the time comes, they go where they are “supposed” to go! There are people who attend every time the doors are open but are as lost as Judas was! I am sure in the time that Judas spent with Jesus, He had a firm grasp on the “routine”. Friend, you can know all of the rituals, routines and religious lingo and still die lost in your sins!
How sad to think that you know exactly where to find Jesus, but you refuse to TRULY SURRENDER YOUR HEART AND LIFE TO HIM!
C. THEY KNOW THE PLAN - Mark 3:14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
Judas was “ordained” by Jesus. This word has the idea of training. Jesus took the twelve and made them ready for the mission He was about to send them to accomplish. Judas witnessed the character and compassion of Christ. He heard Jesus’ words and saw His works. Judas hardened his heart against every attempt of the Lord to reach him. Imagine the miracles that Judas witnessed, Consider the sermons that he heard from Jesus. Think of all of those intimate conversations that Christ had with His disciples. Judas knew the plan of salvation! Judas was present with the Messiah for over 3 years
You may know the plan.
You were raised in church
You attended Sunday School
You have heard thousands of sermons
You have prayed many prayers
You know the plan of salvation
You have studied your bible for years
None of these things matter if you have never surrendered to Christ! This is not about knowledge it is about a relationship!
II. CONSIDER THE CAPABILTY OF A TROUBLEMAKER - John 13:21 26
In John 13 Jesus proclaims that one of his disciples would betray Him. All of the disciples began to look and consider who he was referring to. Peter even prompted John to ask Jesus who He was referring to. They did not say “I bet it is that hypocrite Judas”
What is the “Capability” of false disciples? They are capable of deceiving.
They can deceive other disciples, they can deceive a lost world and they can even deceive themselves into thinking they are saved! The problem is that you CANNOT DECIEVE GOD! Neither could Judas!
III. CONSIDER THE CONTRADICTIONS OF A TROUBLEMAKER
Judas’ life was filled with contradictions. He had many opportunities to depart sooner but he remained faithful…
* He even remained when others left - John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Jesus had just revealed some hard truths and many that were following went away. Jesus looked at His disciples and asked if they would depart… Judas REMAINED!
Judas also “appeared” to be concerned about the ministry - In our original text in John 12 Judas pretended to be concerned about the poor.
* John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Judas LOOKED AND PLAYED THE PART WELL! Eventually his true colors were revealed: Judas sought out the opportunity to betray Christ - He sought out the chief priests and devised a plan to betray Christ. He then seized that opportunity in - Luke 22:47 ¶And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
Judas went to the religious leaders because he wanted to “betray” Jesus. Judas was expecting Jesus Christ to overthrow Rome and deliver Israel. He thought Jesus would immediately restore the kingdom in Israel, and reward His followers. When it became apparent that Jesus was not going to do those things, Judas became disillusioned with the Lord.
There are many people who fill churches today who, like Judas, live lives filled with contradictions. They appear to have honorable intentions… they seem to care about the work of the ministry. They play the game, talk the talk and in many ways walk the walk, but eventually their true colors will be revealed.
Maybe not in this life, but one day they will stand before the Christ they professed to know and you will hear the dreadful words “…Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”
Just as Judas’ true colors were revealed, if there are any deceivers in the church today, we can rest assured they will make their presence known.
- When that Spirit of true worship begins they will interrupt it!
- When unity is present in the church, they will disrupt it!
- When the fires of revival begin to burn, somehow they we attempt to snuff out the flame!
- When people get on fire for the Lord, they will douse that fire!
- When people begin to serve the Lord, they will find a way to discourage them!
- When the church starts moving forward, they will always do something to try to hold it back.
You may ask “Why would someone do this?” Why would anyone seek to cause trouble in the church?For the same reason that Judas did… They are involved in the church with a “what’s in it for me mindset” They live their life for themselves. Mary offered all she had to Jesus and illustrated TRUE WORSHIP! Judas was out for himself and caused great trouble for the followers of Christ while trying to achieve what he thought would bring him happiness.
1. Are you living like Mary and offering worship?
2. Or are you living like Judas and causing trouble?
For those who would cause trouble, let me remind you that not long after these events Judas took his own life. For those who would worship the Savior today… There will come a time when some will attempt to hinder your worship, ignore their efforts and worship JESUS ANYWAY!
Here in the house of Simon we have seen several responses to Jesus? How will you respond to Him today?
1) Will you listen to Him like the other disciples did?
2) Will you serve Him like Martha?
3) Will you fellowship with Him like Lazarus & Simon?
4) Will you be like Mary and pour out your life in worship to Him?
Or maybe you are living like Judas. Maybe you have every outward appearance of being a follower of Christ, but there has never been a change on the inside. If that is the case you are living on dangerous ground. You are headed down a path that leads to a Lake of Fire! I have good news for you today, YOU DON’T HAVE TO END UP LIKE JUDAS! You can turn to Jesus today!
Wherever you fit in this scenario always keep in mind that “When The Worship Ends, Trouble Begins”
