The Rejection Crew: Ahithophel And Judas

Intro

1. Civil war is a nasty thing, often polarizing people: Robert E. Lee asked by Lincoln to head up Union troops....against slavery, but loyal to South...

2. Israel experienced several "Civil Wars" that divided the nation...

3. But when David’s son, Absalom, rebelled against him, that had to be the lowest point of David’s life...

4. But, in addition to be betrayed by his son and many others, David was also betrayed by his good friend and best counselor, Ahithophel.

Question: What makes a trusted person turn against his or her friend?

Divorces that come out of nowhere, friendships dissolved, church splits...

TS---->Today, we’re going to look at parallels between Ahithophel and Judas; we’ll note some similiarites & differences, and then come to a conclusion about "What makes a trusted person turn against his or her friend?"

I. Ahithophel Masterminded the Rebellion of Absalom

1. Abaslom was the man w/personality, Ahithophel brains & wisdom, insight, prudence, understanding, discretion

2. 2 Samuel 15:12, 31-34

3. 2 Samuel 16:20-23, note esp. vs. 23-- his advice, counsel, guidance, direction, opinion, leadership was as if from God Himself...

II. Ahithophel, in Some Ways, Paralleled Judas Iscariot

1. Psalm 41:9 with John 13:18-19

2. Psalm 55:12-14

3. 2 Samuel 17:1-7, 14, 23

4. Both hanged themselves....

III. But the Difference Between Judas & Ahithophel is Great

1. Judas never was sincere (John 12:4-6)--

2. Ahithophel had been a true friend to David. Why did he turn on him?

3. Let’s investigate, analyze, detect---follow the scent of Scripture...

(1) Ahithophel was the father of Eliam, on of David’s Mighty men

(2Samuel 23:34)

(2) Now, let’s read 2 Samuel 11:2-5

4. Ahithophel was bitter...

(1) grand daughter was teated like David’s play thing....

(2) grand-son-in-law murdered by David...

IV. So, What Makes a Trusted Person Turn Against His or Her Friend?

1. Sometimes, like Judas, insincerity....

2. Or, like Ahithophel, disgust with the behavior of another...

3. Or rejection because of truth ....Gal. 4:16 (Jesus rejected)

4. All three reasons have one concept in common: discontent

(1) Judas could get what he wanted...

(2) Ahithophel--David had let him down big time...

(3) Jesus: the people wanted a positive Messiah, not one Who

dealt with sin and the cross

Conclusion

1 Peter 4:14-16

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other

kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

1. If people do turn from us, let if be because we are like Jesus, not

like David when he sinned with Bathsheba!