Great ‘Failures’ of the Bible (part 7)

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Title: Great ‘Failures’ of the Bible (part 7) ------------------- Date: 1/7/2003
Keywords: “Judas”
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Passages: Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:3-5*

26:14. Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,

26:15. and said, "What are you willing to give me to deliver Him up to you?" And they weighed out to him thirty pieces of silver.

26:16. And from then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Him.

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

26:48. Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I shall kiss, He is the one; seize Him."

26:49. And immediately he went to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.

26:50. And Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come for." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

27:3. Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

27:4. saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself!"

27:5. And he threw the pieces of silver into the sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.

Questions

1. Judas Iscariot is infamous for his kiss of betrayal. Why do you think he betrayed Jesus?

 

2. Describe Judas’ end.

 

Practical help

In the first six days of January, the eXXit studies have covered six spectacular failures from the Bible. Manasseh, Peter, John Mark, King David, Abraham, and Saul of Tarsus. Each of these men failed miserably. Yet each of them went on to become powerful men of God whom the Lord used significantly.

Of our seven studies, only Judas did not end up making a contribution to the cause of God’s Kingdom after his failure. Why?

He removed himself from the game. Had Judas turned to the Lord after his act of betrayal in repentance and brokenness, would he not have found forgiveness from the same God who forgave such murderous, cowardly, adulterous sinners as David, Saul of Tarsus, and Abraham? Of course he would have!

And what about you? Will you accept the model of the first six failures we have seen -- or will you follow the example of Judas? You’ve blown it. OK. Now what?

Do what each and every one of the first six failures did. Turn to God. Get the focus off of yourself and on to His grace and mercy. He will cleanse, restore, transform and use you.

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*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."