Lessons From Judas Iscariot

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Lessons From Judas Iscariot

Sermon by  Frank Caldwell


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Editor’s note: As I was on vacation this week, I thank our men for filling in on my behalf.  TATJR

INTRODUCTION

  • Certain Bible characters stir up very strong and unpleasant thoughts and emotions within us
    • Satan, Cain, Pharaoh, Jezebel, King Herod Antipas, Pontious Pilate
    • Judas Iscariot, the subject of tonight’s lesson
  • The name Judas or Judas Iscariot is often accompanied by an unpleasant word: Betrayer (traitor)
  • The word “betray” or one of its forms [betrays, betrayer, betrayed, betraying] is used multiple times in the (4) gospels in connection with Judas Iscariot; Matt: 13X, Mark: 10X, Luke: 6X, John: 9X
    • See Matthew 10:4; Mark 14:44; Luke 6:16-48; John 12:1-5*
  • Jesus verbally identified Judas Iscariot as His betrayer. See Matt 26:19-25*, John 13:18-30
  • After becoming remorseful, Judas verbally admitted he had betrayed innocent blood (Matt 27:3-5)
  • Luke 22:1-6 records how Judas became the catalyst setting in motion the series of events leading to the arrest, trial, conviction and crucifixion of Jesus
  • John 18:1-5 records that Judas made good on his promise to the religious leaders to betray Jesus and deliver Him into their hands
  • Matt 27:3-5 records Judas later became remorseful when he saw Jesus was condemned to die
  • With these introductory thoughts in mind, I now want us to consider (10) observations & lessons from the life of Judas Iscariot

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #1

  • Judas actually did some good things during his time with Jesus (Matthew 10:1-8*, Luke 9:1-6)

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #2

  • The example of Judas demonstrates how outward appearances can sometimes be deceiving

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #3

  • The example of Judas teaches us the dangers of fraternizing with the Lord’s enemies
    • The Bible warns us about this. See 1 Cor 15:33, 2 Cor 6:14-7:1, Eph 4:27, 5:11, Jam 4:7-8

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #4

  • The example of Judas reminds us the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim 6:6-10, John 12:4-6)

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #5

  • The example of Judas teaches us how a missed opportunity for one can open a door of opportunity for another. Matthias was selected to replace Judas as an apostle of Christ (Acts 1:15-26, V20*).

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #6

  • The example of Judas teaches us it is possible to walk with Jesus and serve Him for a time, but ultimately be guilty of betraying Him
    • To receive the crown of eternal life, we must remain faithful and endure until the end (2 Tim 4:6-8)
    • See Rev 2:10, Matthew 10:22, Hebrews 10:36, 12:1, James 1:12

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #7

  • The example of Judas should forever remind us of the terrifying woe Jesus pronounced against him for his betrayal in Mark 14:21. “It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.”

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #8

  • The example of Judas teaches us that being remorseful for a wrong committed against God does not rise to the level of true repentance (2 Cor 7:8-11)

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #9

  • The example of Judas teaches us how far the guilt of sin can take us, possibly to the brink, believing there is no way out but to end it all. Like Peter, Judas had other options.

SOME OBSERVATIONS & LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JUDAS: #10

  • The example of Judas shows us how God can use great acts of evil to bring about an even greater good for His people
    • Like God used the betrayal of Joseph by his brothers to save Jacob’s family (Gen 50:15-21), God used the betrayal of Jesus by Judas to make salvation from sins available to all mankind (Acts 2:22-24, 4:27-28)

CONCLUSION

  • In this study we briefly examined the life of one of the Bible’s most infamous characters, Judas Iscariot
  • Hopefully, we have gained a better appreciation of some of the lessons we can learn from his life that will help us in our spiritual walk with God
  • I offer these thoughts for your consideration

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