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Sermon Series:We are currently going through a sermon series in the Gospel of Matthew. Today, we’re talking about a passage of Scripture where Jesus tells of Judas’ betrayal.
Judas to Betray Jesus
14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
The Passover with the Disciples
17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve.[a] 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
In this part of God’s Word we see a tipping point for Judas. By taking a look at his story, we can learn a lot, particularly about God’s love, not just for Judas, but for us as well.
Judas’ story teaches us that:
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Despite our sinful nature, God still wants a relationship with us
Matt. 26:14-16, 20, John 6:24, 64, 70-71, 12:6, Rom. 5:8, 2 Pet. 3:9
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God gives us ample opportunities to turn back to Him
Matt. 26:20-25, Lam. 3:22-23, Micah 7:18, 1 John 1:9, 2 Sam. 12:13
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God loves us enough to give us free will
Matt. 26:25, John 1:12-13, Rev. 3:20, Josh. 24:15, Rom. 10:9-10
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God has sacrificed everything for us
1 Pet. 3:18, Is. 53:5, John 3:16, Rom. 3:25
Reflecting on God’s Word
Getting Started
- Take some time to read over Matthew 26:14-25 and pray.
- Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it?
- What surprised you as we talked about it?
- As you reflect on Jesus’ relationship with Judas, what stands out? How does Jesus’ attitude and actions towards Judas change the way you view God?
Diving In
- Have you ever struggled with the thought of God not wanting you because of your past, or current, sins? How does remembering how Jesus’ interacted with Judas, even after he already took the bribe, help you to remember that God still wants a relationship with you, despite your sinful nature? How does remembering that help you to not go back to sinful behavior?
- Jesus gave Judas ample chances to turn back to Him, and away from his sinful ways. As you reflect on your life, in what aspects of your life has God given you ample chances to turn back to Him? Are there any areas of your life that you need to turn away from sin, and towards Jesus?
- Read 2 Peter 3:9. God’s will is that we would all have a saving relationship with Him. Yet, in order to accomplish that relationship, He has given us free will. How does remembering that draw you closer to Him?
- Read Romans 2:4. God sacrificed everything for us. How can you better keep that at the forefront of your mind, in order to strengthen your relationship with the Lord?
Applying the Scripture
What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word?
- What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture?
- How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord?
- Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?
Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?