Introduction: The people who first started following Jesus were misbehavers and non-believers. It took them a long time to believe in and then to follow Jesus. As Jesus was approaching the Cross, many of His closest disciples were captivated by human concerns more than they were given to God’s concerns. They eventually embraced God’s agenda – it took them awhile – they weren’t perfect.
Most of us don’t become Christians with the intent of following Jesus. We become Christians because we were told obedience pays and disobedience doesn’t. We become Christians hoping that spirituality will fill a hole in our souls. We become Christians hoping that God will fix us or fix someone we know. Eventually, our agendas clash with Jesus’, and we have to decide whether we’ll abandon Him or follow. Today, I want to look at this infamous disciple whose name was Judas. For Judas, Jesus was a means to an end.
Judas’ Defining Moment –Matthew 26:6-7, John 12:4-6
· Judas seeks only what he can get from Jesus, this woman seeks what she can give to Jesus.
Jesus’ Response – Matthew 26:10-12
· Jesus received the worship and promised the woman historical recognition.
Judas Betrays Jesus – Matthew 26:14-16
· Judas’ view of Jesus was so small that Judas thought he was powerful enough to hand Jesus over to the religious leaders.
God’s hand can’t be forced.
God’s purpose can’t be stopped.
· Judas provides an example of those who follow Jesus for what they can get out of Him rather than for how they can serve Him.
Judas’ Regret – Matthew 27:1-4
· Judas wants to back up, to rewind and do it again and not betray Jesus, but he can’t.
· Certain decisions we make can’t be undone, and the consequences aren’t inescapable.
· All bad decisions are forgivable through God’s grace, but not all bad decisions are fixable.
Application:
I think most everyone starts following Jesus to avoid Hell or to be a better person like I did.
· When my will and God’s will differ, then I’m tempted to pray “MY will be done.”
Blessed is the person who chooses to do the will of God rather than attempting to impose their will on God.
PRAYER this WEEK:
Lord Jesus, I want what You want, more than I want what I want.