Part 2 - The Garden Of Gethsemane - Matthew 26:36-46 - Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. When the last supper of Jesus with His disciples was finished...

a. He predicted the betrayal by Judas - Matthew 26:21-25 - And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

 

b. He observed the Passover, instituting the Lord’s Supper - Matthew 26:26-30 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

b. He then foretold Peter’s denial of Him, as they made their way to the Mount of Olives – Matthew 26:31-35 - Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

 

2. Jesus and His disciples then came to a place called Gethsemane...

a. A garden outside the city, across the Kidron brook and on the Mount of Olives

b. It’s name meaning “olive press”, and was possibly a remote walled garden

c. A place where Jesus often went with His disciples - John 18:1-2 - When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

 

3. Note the contrast between the Garden of Eden, and the Garden of Gethsemane...

a. In the first garden, the first man fell by yielding to temptation

b. In the second garden, the Second Man (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:47 - The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.) conquered by yielding to the will of God

 

[Yes, “The Garden Of Gethsemane” was a place of victory for Jesus (and consequently for us as well). But the victory did not come easy, as we notice first of all that...]

 

I. THE GARDEN WAS A PLACE OF SUFFERING

 

A. WHERE JESUS EXPERIENCED GREAT DISTRESS...

 

1. He went to pray, accompanied only by Peter, James, and John - Matthew 26:36-37 - Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

 

2. Before He began praying, He was “deeply distressed” - Matthew 26:37 - And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

 

3. Mark records that He was “troubled and deeply distressed” - Mark 14:33-34 - And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

 

4. Later, Luke records that He was “in agony”, and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground - Luke 22:44 - And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

 

5. He was likely troubled for He knew that His hour had come - cf. John 12:27 - Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

a. He knew what was imminent, for He had told His disciples three times - Matthew 16:21 - From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.; Matthew 17:22-23 - And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.; Matthew 20:17-19 - And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

b. There was not only physical pain to endure, but also the burden of our sins and separation from His Father as He bore our sins on the cross! - cf. Isaiah 53:6 - All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.; Matthew 27:46 - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

 

B. WHERE JESUS ENDURED INTENSE SORROW...

 

1. He described Himself as “exceedingly sorrowful, even to death” - Matthew 26:38 - Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

 

2. The writer of Hebrews refers to His “vehement cries and tears” - Hebrews 5:7 - Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

 

3. Again, His grief and sorrow was partly due to the fact that He was taking upon Himself our own griefs and sorrows! - cf. Isaiah 53:4-5 - Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 

C. WHERE JESUS ENCOUNTERED SOLEMN LONELINESS...

 

1. He wanted His closest disciples to watch with Him - Matthew 26:37-38 - And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

a. Those who had been with Him from the beginning - Matthew 4:18-22 - And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

b. Those who were privy to one of His greatest miracles - Mark 5:37-43 - And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

c. Those who saw Him transfigured on the mountain - Matthew 17:1-2 - And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

d. Including the disciple “whom He loved” - John 13:23 - Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.; John 19:26 - When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! ; John 20:2 - Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.; John 21:7 - Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. ;John 21:20 -  Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? ;John21:24 - This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

 

2. Yet after each episode of praying, He found them sleeping - Matthew 26:40-41 - And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Matthew 26:43 - And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. - Matthew 26:45 - Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

a. When He desired fellowship for comfort, there was none to be found

b. The Psalmist foretold this would happen - cf. Psalms 69:20 - Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.

 

 [Alone in His distress and sorrow, our Lord found “The Garden Of Gethsemane” to be a place of great suffering for Him. Then something happened. Before He left to face the mob led by Judas to arrest Him, Jesus found that...]

 

II. THE GARDEN WAS A PLACE OF STRENGTH

 

A. WHEN JESUS EXPRESSED AGONIZING PRAYER...

 

1. The agony in His prayer is:

a. Seen by His posture: “He...fell on His face” - Matthew 26:39 - And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

b. Heard in His words: “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me” – Matthew 26:39 - And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. - Matthew 26:42 - He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.  - Matthew 26:44 - And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

 

2. It was “godly fear” Jesus expressed, and for such His prayer was heard - Hebrews 5:7 - Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

a. Not that the cup (of suffering) was removed

b. But that He would be able to drink it

 

B. WHEN JESUS EXTENDED ENTIRE RESIGNATION...

 

1. As evidenced by His words:

a. “Not as I will, but as You will.” - Matthew 26:39 - And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

b. “if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” - Matthew 26:42 - He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

 

2. When man first said “My will, not Thine be done...”

a. It opened the flood gate of sin

b. It turned man out of the Paradise of God

 

3. But when Jesus said “Not as I will, but as You will...”

a. Victory over sin and access to the Tree of Life became possible

b. For it prepared Jesus to go to the cross to make it possible

 

C. WHEN JESUS ENJOYED SPECIAL COMFORT...

 

1. Jesus received an answer to His prayer - cf. Luke 22:43 - And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

a. Not the answer He requested (let this cup pass from Me)

b. But strength from an angel!

 

2. Like the apostle Paul would pray later - cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

a. Asking the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh

b. Receiving an answer different than requested, but more than sufficient to meet the need!

 

D. WHEN JESUS EVINCED RENEWED RESOLVE...

 

1. Strengthened, Jesus was ready to face the hour at hand - Matthew 26:45 - Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

 

2. He was ready to meet His betrayer and those with him - Matthew 26:46-47 - Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

 

CONCLUSION

 

1. So “The Garden Of Gethsemane” was a place of both suffering and strength...

a. Jesus entered the garden suffering

b. He left the garden strengthened in His resolve

 

2. Notice what turned the place of suffering into a place of strength...prayer!

a. Prayer that is fervent and persistent

b. Prayer in which one submits to the will of God

c. Prayer in which one is strengthened

d. Prayer that enables one to face the cup of life given them

 

3. There will be times when we must enter our “Garden Of Gethsemane”...

a. Times of distress, sorrow, loneliness

b. But such times can also be a time of comfort and strength

 

-- Provided we spend them in prayer, and be willing to accept the Father’s will Jesus found prayer to be the key for turning a garden of suffering into a garden of strength. As Christians we have a similar blessing in prayer:

 

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

May we never neglect to utilize this wonderful gift, especially since we now have Jesus Himself to intercede on our behalf!

 

Hebrews 4:14-16 - Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

Hebrews 7:25 - Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Part 3 - The Betrayal Of Jesus - Matthew 26:47-50 - And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. Certainly one of the saddest moments in the life of Jesus was His betrayal by Judas...

a. One of Jesus’ closest disciples, even one of His twelve apostles - Matthew 26:47-50 - SEE ABOVE

b. Who had been privileged to a part of Jesus’ ministry here on earth - Acts 1:17 - For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

 

2. What led Judas to betray his Lord and Savior? How could one who had been with Jesus...

a. Seen His miracles, heard His teachings

b. Betray Him with a kiss?

 

3. What about us, who claim to be Jesus’ disciples today?

a. Could we be guilty of betraying Jesus in some way?

b. Are there things that misled Judas that could have a similar effect on us?

 

[What might we learn from “The Betrayal Of Jesus”? Lest we follow the same path of Judas, let’s reflect for a few moments on what we can glean from the Scriptures...]

 

I. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A CLOSE FRIEND

 

A. JUDAS WAS NO STRANGER TO JESUS...

 

1. As already mentioned, he was one of the apostles - Matthew 10:2-4 - Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

 

2. He was among those whom Jesus loved - John 13:1 - Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

 

3. Yet as prophesied, Jesus was betrayed by “a familiar friend” - Psalms 41:9 - Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

 

B. BEING CLOSE TO JESUS IS NO GUARANTEE...

 

1. Just being His disciples is no assurance we could not betray Him

 

2. Like several of the churches in Asia Minor, we could...

a. Leave our first love - Revelation 2:4-5 - Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

b. Begin to tolerate false doctrine - Revelation 2:14-16 - But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

c. Permit false teachers to spread their doctrines - Revelation 2:20 - Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

d. Fail to perfect our works, and not be watchful - Revelation 3:1-3 - And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

e. Become lukewarm - Revelation 3:15-16 - I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

 

3. Yes, we can betray Jesus by denying Him who bought us - cf. 2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

 

[Therefore we need to heed Jesus’ admonition to be “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.), and not assume that close proximity to Jesus in the past guarantees faithfulness in the future.]

 

II. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A LOVER OF MONEY

 

A. MONEY WAS A PROBLEM FOR JUDAS...

 

1. He often pilfered from the money box of the disciples - John 12:4-6 - Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

 

2. The opportunity to make some money led him to betray Jesus - Matthew 26:14-16 - Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

 

B. MONEY CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR US...

 

1. The deceitfulness of riches can render us unfruitful - Matthew 13:22 - He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

 

2. The desire for riches and the love of money can lead us to stray from the faith and drown in destruction and perdition - 1 Timothy 6:9-10 - But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 

3. The Laodiceans’ preoccupation with wealth made them lukewarm - Revelation 3:16-17 - So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

 

[Could we be guilty of betraying Jesus by our desire for riches, letting such things take precedent over our service to God and His church?]

 

III. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A SHOW OF AFFECTION

 

A. JUDAS BETRAYED JESUS WITH A KISS...

 

1. He could have pointed...perhaps he sought to soften the blow of betrayal - Matthew 26:48-49 - Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

 

2. Jesus noted the obvious contradiction - Luke 22:47-48 - And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

 

B. DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION DON’T ENSURE FAITHFULNESS...

 

1. Many people are very emotional in their religion

a. As displayed in their worship

b. Believing it to be evidence of being “Spirit-filled”

 

2. Yet emotions alone are not a reliable guide

a. They can easily mislead us - cf. Proverbs 16:25 - There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. ; Jeremiah 10:23 - O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. ; Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

b. They are often present in the unstable believer - cf. Matthew 13:20-21 - But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

 

3. This is not to discount the place and value of emotions

a. We are to love God with all our heart and with all our mind - Matthew 22:37-38 - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

b. The Spirit does produce fruit in our lives that affects our emotions - Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

c. But we must keep them in the proper order:

1) Our emotions must come from faith, not faith coming from emotions

2) Otherwise we are led by emotionalism, not faith

 

-- And true faith comes from the Word of God - Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ; John 20:30-31 - And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

 

[If we believe that displays of affection in our religion can make up for our failure to heed God’s Word, we deceive ourselves and betray Jesus in the process!]

 

IV. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A MISTAKEN DISCIPLE

 

A. JUDAS MISTOOK THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS ACTION...

 

1. He evidently didn’t think Jesus would be condemned - Matthew 27:3-4 - Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

 

2. This has prompted some to think that Judas was motivated by more than money

a. That perhaps his betrayal would force Jesus to act, show His true power

b. That in such a way it would demonstrate who Jesus truly was

 

B. WE CAN BE GUILTY OF MISTAKEN SERVICE...

 

1. Thinking our service is acceptable, when it is not - Matthew 7:21-23 - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

2. Thinking we can improve on God’s way, when His ways may not be ours - Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

3. We need to head the Preacher’s advice - cf. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 - Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

a. Come to hear and do what He says

b. Not presume to know what pleases God and offer what we think is best

[In our zeal, we may be guilty of acting based on mistaken knowledge (cf. Romans 10:1-3 - Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.). Dare we possibly betray Jesus by presuming we know what is according to His will and plan?]

 

V. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY AN OVERWROUGHT FOLLOWER

 

A. JUDAS REACTED TO HIS SIN THE WRONG WAY...

 

1. He was overcome with grief - Matthew 27:3 - Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

 

2. He took the wrong course of action by hanging himself - Matthew 27:5 - And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

 

B. WE CAN REACT TO OUR SINS THE SAME WAY...

 

1. There are two kinds of sorrow - 2 Corinthians 7:10 - For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

a. Sorrow of the world that produces death

b. Godly sorrow that produces repentance

 

-- The first sorrow is preoccupied with self; the second is sorrow for sinning against God

 

2. It is natural to be sorrowful for our sins

a. But we should not wallow in our grief

b. But repent, as did Peter who denied Christ

 

3. Paul is another example of one who did not let sins of the past hinder service in the present

a. He focused on God’s grace which gave him another chance - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

b. He directed his attention on striving for the upward call of God - Philippians 3:12-14 - Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

CONCLUSION

 

1. While Jesus was betrayed by all these things, let’s not forget the influence of Satan...

a. Satan used Judas to betray Jesus - Luke 22:3-4 - Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

b. Satan put it in Judas’ heart to betray Jesus - John 13:2 - And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

 

-- For this reason Jesus referred to Judas as “a devil” - John 6:70-71 - Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

 

2. Yet how did Satan influence Judas? By some of the very things we’ve noticed...

a. Through his love of money

b. Through his emotionalism

c. Through his mistaken ideas

d. Through his preoccupation with self

 

-- Even Peter was influenced by Satan through some of these things (cf. Matthew 16:23 - But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.) And so while we may decry the treachery of Judas, we should humbly learn from his mistakes, taking to heart the words of Peter:

 

1 Peter 5:9-10 - Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

 

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Mark 16:15-16 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

Prayer: Lord I truly thank You for giving me the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will give them Your eternal blessings and accept them into Your heart - this  I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

 

Ephesians 6:23-24 - Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

 

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