Judas: Hidden Treachery (Mark 14:31-2, 10-11, 17-21)

June 20, 2010

I.     Open enemies, vv. 1-2.
A.     The Jewish leaders' hatred had been growing for a long time.
B.     Deceit and treachery were the only options left.
     1.     More concerned with the crowds than the truth.
     2.     Jesus had to be removed at all costs.

II.     Betrayed by a friend, vv. 10-11.
     A.     Judas made a choice to betray Jesus.
          1.     Satan tempted but Judas followed (John 13:2).
          2.     Judas went to the chief priests.
               a.     Their offer was growing in his mind/heart.
               b.     He began developing a plan to betray Jesus.
     B.     Why did Judas betray Jesus?
          1.     To force Jesus to act politically/militarily.
          2.     For the money and recognition from Jewish leaders.
          3.     He chose to listen to Satan instead of Jesus.
               a.     "The Devil…put it into the heart of Judas" (John 13:2).
                     b.     "After Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him" (John 13:27).

III.     The last offer of love, vv. 17-21.
     A.     Jesus reached out to Judas up to the end.
          1.     Events of that last evening.
               a.     Shared a meal together.
               b.     The betrayer announced.
               c.     The disciples' feet washed (John 13).
               d.     Judas handed a piece of bread (John 13).
          2.     Jesus used each action to soften Judas' heart.
     B.     Important things to consider about Judas' betrayal.
          1.     God used it as part of His plan, v. 21a.
               a.     Judas was not forced to act as he did.
               b.     God used Judas' wrong decision for good.
          2.     Judas' punishment would be severe, v. 21b.
IV.     What can we learn from Judas' story?
     A.     God is patient and persistent with our disobedience.
     B.     We cannot blame our wrong actions on anyone else.
          1.     God offers to help us do right.
          2.     Don't give evil an opportunity to grow in your heart.
     C.     Refusing God has serious consequences.

Personal Challenges
1.     Consider the contrast between Mary and Judas.
     a.     Read Mark 14:1-21.
      b.     Think about the differences between Mary and Judas, both of whom were close friends of Jesus.
2.     Where do you stand with God?
     a.     How have you refused God's work in your life?
     b.     How have you shown love to God?
3.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?