Video Transition: Easter upside down – Judas (Skit Guys)
Sermon: From Disciple to Traitor!
Thesis: How does a disciple of Jesus go from being called, to a witness of miracles, to a hearer of Jesus teachings, to seeing His power to walk on water and then to betraying Him? Most people who start out strong in their faith will drift from Jesus if they are not proactive in their actions to serve Jesus, it happens slowly and over time!
Betrayal comes with leadership in the Kingdom of Heaven. The greatest leadership pain is betrayal from others. But you must understand they did it to Jesus, they will do it to you! So, you have to learn pain management in leading others.
Scriptures:
The list of Jesus's twelve disciples is provided in the New Testament books of Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, and Luke 6:13-16.
Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13 – chapters of the Last Supper and Jesus predicting his betrayal all highlight our last unfaithful disciple Judas – The Traitor!
The names of the 12 disciples are: Simon Peter, Andrew his brother, James’s son of Zebedee, John his brother, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (or Judas son of James), Simon the Zealot (or Cananaean), and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
Scriptures of betrayal of Jesus:
John 6:66: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (After Jesus hard teaching) he even asked his 12 are you not leaving too?
John 13:18-30: Jesus Predicts His Betrayal
18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: He who shared my bread has turned against me.’
19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20 Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”
21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit (Leadership pain) and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”
25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him.
So, Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
Introduction:
I did a search on the top Famous Betrayals of history: Who do you think was number one on the list? Yes, Judas!
Yes famous betrayals of history include the biblical betrayal by Judas Iscariot of Jesus – the others who made the list are as follows: The assassination of Julius Caesar by his friend Brutus, The American Revolutionary Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the British, Vidkun Quisling who collaborated with the Nazis, Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen who spied for the Soviet Union and were US agents, and the legendary outlaw Robert Ford who shot and killed Jesse James and to round out the top 7 is the Cambridge 5.
Historical Betrayals according to my AI search:
1. Judas Iscariot: One of Jesus's 12 apostles, Judas betrayed Jesus to the religious authorities for 30 pieces of silver, leading to his crucifixion.
2. Brutus: A trusted friend of Roman leader Julius Caesar, Brutus was convinced by the Senate that killing Caesar was necessary to prevent him from becoming king.
a. A pastor on sermon central shares this thought: https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/anatomy-of-betrayal-john-oscar-sermon-on-judas-207747:
i. One of the most famous betrayals in history was the betrayal of Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar was a general and politician in Rome during it’s years of being a Republic prior to becoming an empire. He is responsible for conquering parts of Germania and France and even had a few excursions into the British Iles. After a great deal of drama and political strife, Caesar led his army into the city of Rome, and wrestled power away from the current leader, Pompey, and set himself up as the Dictator of Rome. This initially was not a normal dictatorship where a person rules for life, but one that was elected on a yearly basis. Initially, this move was very popular with people. He was a much-loved figure, and for the most part his rule was fair. Then Caesar got the Roman senate to declare him Dictator for life. This was very concerning to many of the senators who valued the freedom that Rome represented being a democratically elected government. They formed a conspiracy that assassinated Caesar on March 15th, 44 BC. The Ides of March if you remember your high school reading. These events were immortalized in William Shakespeare’s play that we all probably had to read in High School. I read the account of this scenario from a historian that said Julius Caesar, being a soldier and general before he became a politician, fought back against his assassins ferociously, until he saw the face of his friend Brutus. Seeing the face of his most loved friend, and faced with this betrayal, it is said that Caesar cast his robe over his head allowing the knives to fall while uttering the famous Latin words, “Et Tu Brute?” Even you Brutus? Caesar couldn’t face the betrayal of one of his closest friends and let the knives fall.
3. Benedict Arnold: A general in the Continental Army, Arnold plotted to surrender the American fort at West Point to the British during the Revolutionary War.
4. Vidkun Quisling: A Norwegian politician who collaborated with Nazi Germany, his name became a synonym for traitor ("quisling").
5. Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen: Both were U.S. intelligence agents who spied for the Soviet Union during the Cold War, betraying their country's secrets and compromising agents.
6. Robert Ford: He and his brother murdered their outlaw boss Jesse James, only to be arrested themselves and charged with murder.
7. The Cambridge 5: The Cambridge Five Spy Ring Passed WWII Secrets to the Soviet Union – they were Recruited straight out of Cambridge University, these British intelligence officers were secretly moles.
If you have ever led and have been leading for a while you will have to face the act of betrayal – it sadly comes with the life of a leader. Jesus himself had to deal with it what makes us think we won’t?
Psychological & Personality Factors (my internet research suggests the following reasons a person betrays another person.
1. Selfishness (The number one reason)
a. Under selfishness is Greed.
b. Individuals may betray others to gain power, wealth, or personal advantage, placing their self-interest above all else.
c. Self-centeredness is the number one reason for betrayal of others!
i. Could this be why the Bible encourages us to die to self?
ii. The Bible views selfishness as a sin rooted in pride, contrary to God's loving character, which leads to disorder, evil, and broken relationships. Instead of pursuing their own interests, Christians are encouraged to follow the example of Jesus by serving others, showing humility, and seeking the good of their neighbors. Scripture emphasizes that true fulfillment comes not from self-preservation but from selfless service and putting God and others first.
iii. James 3:16 states, "For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice"
iv. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers to "in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others".
2. Lack of Empathy: A person who is unable to understand or care about the feelings and consequences for others is more likely to betray them.
3. Insecurity and Low Self-Esteem: Some people betray others to feel more powerful or to control situations, which can stem from their own insecurities.
4. Fear: Betrayal can occur out of fear for one's own safety or to avoid negative consequences for themselves.
5. Lack of Integrity: A person without a strong moral code or accountability may find it easier to betray others.
6. Situational Factors: wanting power and control.
7. Spiritual influence: Influence of evil spirits.
T.S. - Today we will look at - How to betray Jesus in 7 descending steps:
While the Bible doesn't list seven specific "steps" of Judas's betrayal, his actions can be summarized as negotiating with authorities for money, arranging a signal, leading the mob to Jesus, identifying Jesus with a kiss, leading to Jesus's arrest, his involvement in the events surrounding the Last Supper, and finally his participation in the events that led to Jesus's condemnation. The motivations behind his betrayal are complex, ranging from greed to disillusionment with Jesus's approach to politics, and potentially being under the influence of Satan.
The Betrayal in 7 descending steps - Summary:
1. Negotiation and Agreement:
o Judas did with himself first – he decided it would be good to betray Jesus for his own self-interests. To get what he wanted!
o Judas went to the chief priests and agreed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This is said to have before Satan entered him!
2. Arranging a Signal:
o In betrayal there is usually a signal to set the event loose on another.
o He arranged a signal with the authorities: the one he kissed would be the one they should arrest.
3. Led others to Jesus: Judas led a crowd with soldiers, armed with swords and clubs, to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was praying.
4. The Kiss of Betrayal: Judas identified Jesus by kissing him, saying "Rabbi!" to the arresting party.
5. Jesus's Arrest: The soldiers seized Jesus and arrested him – only after Jesus let them and after dealing with Peter’s sword moment!
6. The Last Supper Connection: Before this, during the Last Supper, Jesus identified Judas as the betrayer, and it was after this that Satan entered Judas, according to Luke.
7. Subsequent Events: Judas's betrayal was the crucial step that allowed the authorities to take Jesus into custody, leading to his subsequent trial and crucifixion. But it also led to his own death and destruction.
I. Judas the traitor references in Scripture: Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, appears in all four canonical Gospels and the Book of Acts. His betrayal is a critical part of the New Testament narrative, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
a. In the Gospels:
i. Gospel of Matthew:
1. Betrayal for silver – money: Judas approached the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave in the Old Testament (Exodus 21:32).
2. The Last Supper: Jesus foretold his betrayal while eating with the Twelve. When Judas asked if he was the one, Jesus replied, "You have said so" (Matthew 26:14–25).
3. The Kiss: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas led a crowd to Jesus and identified him with a kiss, saying, "Greetings, Rabbi!".
4. Remorse and suicide: Filled with remorse after Jesus was condemned, Judas returned the silver to the chief priests, confessed, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood," and then hanged himself. The priests used the money to buy a field, known as the "Field of Blood" (Matthew 27:3–10).
ii. Gospel of Mark:
1. Arrangement with priests: Mark's account is more concise, showing Judas going to the chief priests to betray Jesus, upon which they promised him money (Mark 14:10–11).
2. The Last Supper: Similar to Matthew, Jesus predicted the betrayal, stating that one of the Twelve, "one who is dipping bread into the dish with me," would betray him (Mark 14:18–21).
3. The Kiss: Judas led the armed crowd to Gethsemane and identified Jesus with a kiss, a prearranged signal (Mark 14:43–45).
iii. Gospel of Luke:
1. Satan's influence: Luke adds a detail not found in Mark or Matthew: "Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot" before he went to the chief priests to arrange the betrayal (Luke 22:3–6).
2. Betrayal with a kiss: During the arrest, Jesus confronted Judas directly, asking, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:47–48).
iv. Gospel of John:
1. A devil among them: Earlier in his ministry, Jesus already knew Judas's true nature, stating, "Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil." John clarifies this refers to Judas (John 6:70–71).
2. Thievery and greed: John reveals that Judas was a thief and would steal from the money bag he carried for the group. He mentions this in the context of Judas criticizing Mary for anointing Jesus with expensive oil instead of selling it for the poor (John 12:4–6).
3. Identifying the traitor: At the Last Supper, Jesus gave a piece of bread to Judas, saying, "What you are going to do, do quickly." After receiving the bread, Satan entered Judas, and he left to carry out his plan (John 13:21–30).
4. "Son of perdition": In his final prayer, Jesus referred to Judas as "the son of destruction," whose loss was foretold by Scripture (John 17:12).
v. In the Book of Acts:
1. Peter's summary of Judas's end: Peter recounted Judas's fate to the other apostles before they chose a replacement. He explained that Judas "acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out." This account varies from Matthew's description of his death by hanging.
2. Replacement of an apostle: Peter cited a Psalm to justify replacing Judas. The disciples then cast lots to choose Matthias to fill the position that "Judas turned aside from to go to his own place" (Acts 1:15–26).
b. Possible Motivations: Why Judas betrayed Jesus and did not heed His warnings or even His teachings?
i. Selfishness/ Greed: The 30 pieces of silver were the primary reward, though some argue Judas's greed was a secondary factor.
ii. Disillusionment: Judas might have been disappointed that Jesus wasn't leading a rebellion to overthrow Roman rule and establish an independent Israel.
iii. Satanic Influence: The Gospel of Luke states that Satan entered Judas, suggesting a spiritual dimension to the betrayal.
iv. Bitterness: Judas may have felt justified in his actions due to his expectations not being met after leaving his life to follow Jesus.
T.S. – Judas traveled with Jesus for 3 years and he witnessed Jesus’ miracles, healing and even saw him raise the dead, yet he betrayed him. How is that possible?
II. Question: What does it mean to fall away from Jesus – is that a betrayal?
a. Falling away from Jesus can be understood as a loss of faith, no repentance, and no submission to his Lordship, often characterized by a gradual drift from spiritual practices like prayer and reading the Bible, prioritizing worldly desires over spiritual, or succumbing to complacency and worldly influences.
i. This process is described as a preference for sin over holiness and can involve becoming entangled in worldly pleasures or developing bitterness and resentment towards God's people.
1. Mostly from selfish reasons!
b. In my years of ministry 40 – I have been betrayed, seen others leaders get betrayed and seen people betray Jesus their Savior: So here are some common ways a person might fall away from the faith:
i. Neglecting spiritual disciplines:
1. The drift – when you are not moving forward with Jesus in intimacy you drift back because of the world’s current!
a. Illustration - The canoe trip!
2. This includes a gradual drift from daily prayer, reading the Bible, and spending time with other believers.
a. A offense happens so a person turns toward their own self.
ii. Prioritizing worldly desires:
1. Replacing a passion for God with an intense focus on worldly matters, such as riches, pleasures, sports, education and career.
2. The things of the world surpass the things of God in a person’s life.
iii. Becoming complacent:
1. Allowing convictions to erode due to peer pressure or societal norms, will lead to a compromise of faith.
a. I see this happen most to high school kids who are on fire for Jesus but then go to College and they drift away from their faith because of the words and pressure of others – especially professors and teachers who reject Christianity.
b. My own story at Bemidji State University!
iv. Harboring bitterness:
1. The other word here is unforgiveness!
a. The book the Bait of Satan:
i. A quote from John Bevere's "The Bait of Satan" is: "Offended people still may experience miracles, words of utterance, strong preaching, and healing in their lives. But these are gifts of the Spirit, not fruits. We will be judged according to fruit, not gifting. A gift is given. Fruit is cultivated," as found on SoBrief.
ii. Another relevant quote is, "The way you respond to offense will either make or break you," which highlights the importance of one's reaction to offense.”
b. Other quotes from the book:
i. On the inevitability of offenses:
1. "Jesus stated that it is impossible to live without encountering opportunities to be offended".
ii. On the consequences of offense:
1. "An offended heart is the breeding ground of deception".
iii. On the nature of self-preservation through offense:
1. "There is a false sense of self-protection in harboring an offense. It keeps you from seeing your own character flaws because the blame is deferred to another".
iv. On the spiritual impact of offense:
1. "We become imprisoned when we take the bait of offence! God gave me a vivid illustration one day of someone locked in a prison cell. The prisoner begged everyone who passed by to set them free. No one was able to help because there was only one key to unlock the cell door. The prisoner had the only key to the cell but refused to use it because the key to freedom was forgiveness".
v. On the deceptive nature of offense:
1. "Just as Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered, we learn obedience by the difficult circumstances we face. When we obey the Word of God that is spoken by the Holy Spirit, we will grow and mature in the times of conflict and suffering".
2. Allowing oneself to be offended by others in the church or developing bitterness towards the institution itself. It will cause you to betray Jesus and The Word of God.
v. Not Challenging false teachings:
1. Too many people are biblically illiterate and do know the truth and therefore they get sucked into false doctrine and drift from God’s truth.
2. Being drawn away by false teachings that appeal to personal desires rather than God's truth.
a. 2 Timothy 4:3: The time is coming when people won't listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear.
vi. Losing the desire for holiness:
1. It’s the idea of not wanting to remain pure before God and so we start drifting into sinful actions.
2. A fundamental cause is a heart that prefers darkness and sin over a desire for holiness.
vii. Instead of focusing on "steps to falling away," we need to be proactive in doing the right things.
1. We need to be proactive by considering the behaviors and mindsets that lead to a "slow fade" of one's faith, and therefore, what to avoid – what to run away from.
2. In Hebrews, "falling away" or apostasy describes a deliberate and final rejection of Christ after having experienced the truth and power of the Gospel.
3. Hebrews 6:4-8 uses vivid descriptions of people who "have once been enlightened," "tasted the heavenly gift," and "been made partakers of the Holy Spirit".
a. The passage warns that for such individuals who "fall away" (commit apostasy), it is impossible to renew them again to repentance because they are essentially "crucifying the Son of God to themselves" and holding him to open shame.
c. Jesus knows the pain of leadership and the accompanying betrayal of his followers:
i. By the leadership pain – is the classroom to growth and people will betray you as a leader – they did Jesus, and he warns us they will you to!
1. In the Bible, Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they would also persecute you". This statement is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 20 (John 15:20). Jesus was reminding his disciples that as followers of him, they should expect to face the same opposition and rejection that he himself experienced from the world because of his name.
T.S. – Sadly Judas was not the only traitor to Jesus many throughout history have become traitors of Jesus in history!
III. Thoughst on Judas Iscariot – The traitor (by John MacArthur):
a. Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?" —MATTHEW 26:25:
i. John states, “THE MOST NOTORIOUS AND UNIVERSALLY SCORNED of all the disciples is Judas Iscariot, the betrayer. His name appears last in every biblical list of apostles, except for the list in Acts 1, where it doesn't appear at all. Every time Judas is mentioned in Scripture, we also find a notation about his being a traitor. He is the most colossal failure in all of human history. He committed the most horrible, heinous act of any individual, ever. He betrayed the perfect, sinless, holy Son of God for a handful of money. His dark story is a poignant example of the depths to which the human heart is capable of sinking. He spent three years with Jesus Christ, but for all that time his heart was only growing hard and hateful. The other eleven apostles are all great encouragements to us because they exemplify how common people with typical failings can be used by God in uncommon, remarkable ways. Judas, on the other hand, stands as a warning about the evil potential of spiritual carelessness, squandered opportunity, sinful lusts, and hardness of the heart. Here was a man who drew as close to the Savior as it is humanly possible to be. He enjoyed every privilege Christ affords. He was intimately familiar with everything Jesus taught. Yet he remained in unbelief and went into a hopeless eternity.”
1. MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You (pp. 181-182). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
ii. Judas was ordinary in every way, just like the others. It is significant that when Jesus predicted one of them would betray Him, no one pointed the finger of suspicion at Judas (Matthew 26:22-23). He was so expert in his hypocrisy that no one seemed to distrust him. But Jesus knew his heart from the beginning (John 6:64).
1. MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You (p. 183). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
b. John states, “It is equally obvious, however, that Judas was not attracted to Christ on a spiritual level. He followed Jesus out of a desire for selfish gain, worldly ambition, avarice, and greed. He sensed Jesus' power, and he wanted power like that for himself. He was not interested in the kingdom for salvation's sake or for Christ's sake. He was interested only in what he could get out of it. Wealth, power, and prestige were what fueled his ambitions. It is clear, on the one hand, that he chose to follow. He continued following even when following became difficult. He persisted in following even though it required him to be a more clever hypocrite in order to cover up the reality of what he really was.”
i. MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You (p. 184). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
c. Messianic Prophecy about Judas from my research:
i. Psalm 41:9, a messianic prophecy, says, "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Jesus cited that verse in John 13:18 and said its fulfillment would come in His own betrayal.
ii. Psalm 55:12-14 says, "For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng." That passage also foretold the treachery of Judas.
iii. Zechariah 11:12—13 says, "They weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, 'Throw it to the potter'; that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter."
iv. Matthew 27:9—10 identifies that as another prophecy about Judas. So Judas's role was foreordained. Scripture even says that when Jesus chose Judas, He knew Judas would be the one to fulfill the prophecies of betrayal. He knowingly chose him to fulfill the plan. And yet Judas was in no sense coerced into doing what he did.
1. MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You (pp. 184-185). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
a. Judas did what he did because his heart was evil. God, who works all things according to the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11), had foreordained that Jesus would be betrayed and that He would die for the sins of the world. Jesus Himself affirmed both truths in Luke 22:22:"Truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!"
b. From a human perspective, Judas had the same potential as the others. The difference is that he was never really drawn to the Person of Christ. He saw Him only as a means to an end. Judas's secret goal was personal prosperity—gain for himself. He never embraced Jesus' teaching by faith. He never had an ounce of true love for Christ.
c. Judas had every opportunity to turn from his sin—as much opportunity as was ever afforded anyone. He heard numerous appeals from Christ urging him not to do the deed he was planning to do. He heard every lesson Jesus taught during His ministry. Many of those lessons applied directly to him: the parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13); the message of the wedding garment (Matthew 22:11-14); and Jesus' preaching against the love of money (Matthew 6:19-34), against greed (Luke 13:13-21), and against pride (Matthew 23:1-12). Jesus had even candidly told the Twelve, "One of you is a devil" (John 6:70). He cautioned them about the woe that would come to the person who betrayed him (Matthew 26:24). Judas listened to all of that unmoved. He never applied for the lessons. He just kept up his deceit.
i. MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You (p. 186). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
b. Judas revealed himself with His irritation with Jesus' anointing for burial: The scenario:
i. Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil." This act was shocking in its extravagance. Not only was it an overt act of worship, but it also had the appearance of wastefulness.
1. Obviously perfume, especially such expensive fragrances are designed to be used in small amounts. Once poured out, it cannot be reused. To pour out a pound of expensive oil and use it to anoint someone's feet gave the appearance of gross excess.
2. "Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 'Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?'" (vv. 4-5). Three hundred denarii were a lot of money for perfume by any measure. Remember, denarius was basically a working man's daily wage (Matthew 20:2). Three hundred denarii is a full year's wages (allowing for Sabbaths and holidays off).
a. MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You (pp. 188-189). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
i. The contrast is staggering: Our Lord is anointed with overwhelming love by Mary and betrayed with overwhelming hate by Judas at the same time. Notice that this is the first time Judas had ever exposed himself in any way.
1. MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You (p. 190). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
ii. Last Supper:
1. The day of salvation closed for Judas. Divine mercy gave way to divine judgement. Judas was in essence handed over to Satan. Sin had triumphed in his heart. Satan moved in. Notice, however, that even though Jesus had just spoken of the betrayer and had given Judas the morsel to identify him, it still did not compute in the minds of the apostles. No one seemed to anticipate that Judas would be the traitor. So expert was he in his hypocrisy that he fooled everyone but Jesus, right up to the very end. Jesus sent him away. That is easy to understand. Jesus is pure, sinless, spotless, and holy. Here was this wretched, evil presence into whom Satan had literally entered. Jesus was not about to have the first communion service with the devil and Judas present in the room. Get out.
a. MacArthur, John F.. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You (p. 192). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
Conclusion:
The statement "Better if he had never been born" referring to Judas is a quote from Jesus in the New Testament, found in Matthew 26:24 and Mark 14:21, which expresses that the weight of the act of betrayal against the Son of Man is so terrible, that non-existence is preferable to such a fate. While the exact interpretation varies, it signifies the immense spiritual cost of betrayal and has been seen by theologians as an indicator of Judas' eternal damnation or a hyperbolic expression of extreme suffering.
The Biblical Context
The Paschal Supper:
In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, Jesus is at the Last Supper and states that one of the apostles will betray him.
The Betrayal:
Jesus declares, "The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born".
Judas's Question:
Judas, the betrayer, then asks, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answers, "You have said so".
Theological Interpretations
Indication of Damnation:
Many theologians interpret the statement to mean that Judas was condemned to hell, and thus non-existence would have been a better outcome than eternal suffering.
Hyperbole:
Other theologians suggest that Jesus was using hyperbole (exaggeration for emphasis) to convey the extraordinary and terrible nature of the act of betrayal.
Spiritual Weight:
The statement highlights the spiritual burden and consequences of handing Jesus over to be killed, underscoring its severity.
Weight of Sin vs. Mercy:
While the betrayal was a serious sin, Jesus also offered forgiveness to other betrayers, like Peter, who denied him but later repented. The emphasis on not being born suggests that Judas's sin was of a magnitude that surpassed what could be forgiven.
What do we need to know from this message?
• The primary Bible verse on guarding your heart is Proverbs 4:23, which states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it". This proverb, part of a longer passage on wisdom and life, encourages diligence in protecting one's innermost self, as the heart is considered the core of one's being, the source of emotions, thoughts, and choices.
• Guarding your heart involves filtering influences, setting boundaries against negative things like bitterness or corrupt talk, focusing on God's Word, and cultivating a relationship with God through prayer and the Holy Spirit. We must guard our hearts!
Why do they need to know this?
• Because if we do not guard our hearts – be active in serving Jesus - we can become deceived like so many who have betrayed Christ and walked away from Him! We can too!
o “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way…” Is. 53:6a
• Key Scripture Passages:
o Hebrews 6:4-6: This passage speaks of those who have been enlightened and experienced God's blessings but then fall away. It states that it's impossible to renew them to repentance because they are effectively crucifying the Son of God again.
o Hebrews 3:12: Warns believers to take care lest an unbelieving heart leads them to fall away from the living God.
o Galatians 5:4: States that those who try to be justified by the Law are "severed from Christ" and have "fallen away from grace".
o 2 Thessalonians 2:3: Prophesies that a great "falling away" (or apostasy) will occur before the Lord's coming and the revelation of the "man of sin".
What do they need to do?
• We need to be proactive and stay committed to Jesus and God’s Word! Be determined that we stay moving forward in Jesus and we don’t drift. We keep pressing on to the goal!
Why do they need to do this?
• We are no different than Judas – we too can choose to betray Him if we allow the enemy to distort His truth and His way!
