Betrayed By a Friend

Judas was a , , and a person who rejected the greatest possible ,

and even his friend for money.

Judas’ name means , yet he failed at his name.

We all have some Judas in us:

• When I say one thing and another.
• When I try to God for my own ends.
• When I seek to barter and trade for the of God.
• When having been confronted by the truth of the Word of God, I remained stirred but not .

Let’s visit in the garden and stand in the .

It is amazing how people feel when they are part of a .

This is how people are emboldened to commit behavior.

Today cameras can identify the – God does it for us in His Book.

1^st The

Now Judas, who was betraying Him, also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. So Judas, having obtained the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.  Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, came out into the open and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”  They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them.  Now then, when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.  He then asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.”  Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you are seeking Me, let these men go on their way.” This took place so that the word which He spoke would be fulfilled: “Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.” John 18:2-9

In 18:3 we are told it was a “”.

And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Matthew 26:47

• This reveals the sense of desperation the religious establishment .
• It also reveals the degree of their over Jesus’ .
• John mentions they came with “ and ”.
• Did you notice the words “ ” knocked them back?

All of this reveals Jesus is not a – He is the .

• It shows us His .
• He reveals the truth of His words:

No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” John 10:18

• It shows us His .
• He cares for the of His .
• It shows us His utter .

The Betrayer!

And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.  Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign previously, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him.”  And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Matthew 26:47-49

Don’t you about the words “Judas, one of the twelve”?

The same words for the way Judas kissed Jesus were used in these passages:

and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and began kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Luke 7:38

 So he set out and came to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and

felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

And they all began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, Acts 20:37

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap. Galatians 6:7

Compassion To The Betrayer:

But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid

hands on Jesus and arrested Him. Matthew 26:50

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,

not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Did you notice what Jesus called Judas? “”

Jesus asked the question of Judas:

But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48

What was Jesus doing?

• Showing Judas the of his heart.
• Showing Judas that He was not by his warm words and gentle actions.
• Showing Judas his need for .
• Showing Judas that His own heart had not toward him.

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; Matthew 5:44-45a

Lessons For Us!

1^st Association with is no guarantee that we will become .

2^nd Moral corruption in is than moral corruption.

3^rd There is an evil power looking for any to work against .

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why is your face gloomy? ⁷ If you do well, will

your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire

is for you, but you must master it.” Genesis 4:6-7

Therefore, ridding yourselves of falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are parts of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:25-27

4^th No sorrow can compare to the of one who discovers they have the of Jesus.