Love and Betrayal: Lessons from Jesus and Judas
Summary
In today's message, I felt a strong pull to explore the profound relationship between Jesus and Judas, a topic that is both challenging and deeply revealing. While I initially wanted to share a more uplifting word from Ezekiel 37 about the valley of dry bones, the Lord directed me to focus on the complexities of betrayal and love as seen in the story of Judas. This narrative is not just about Judas's betrayal but also about the incredible love and grace Jesus extended even to those who would hurt Him. It is a call for us to examine our own hearts and relationships, especially in times of trial and betrayal.
Reflecting on my own journey, I have been in a season that feels like an extended Gethsemane, a place of deep trial and testing. Yet, it is in these moments of death to self that we find the gateway to life. Jesus's example in Gethsemane and His interactions with Judas teach us that the path to resurrection and life often leads through the valley of death and betrayal. We are called to wrestle with these difficult truths, allowing God to do deep work in our hearts, knowing that He is good and His purposes are for life.
In John 13, we see Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas. This act of humility and love is a powerful demonstration of how we are to love others, even those who may betray us. Jesus's love was not conditional; it was a love that served and went low, a love that invites us to do the same. We are challenged to not just know about Jesus but to embody His teachings, allowing His word to transform us from the inside out.
The story of Judas is a sobering reminder that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee transformation. Judas heard every teaching and witnessed every miracle, yet his heart remained unchanged. This challenges us to not merely listen to the word but to let it penetrate our hearts and become the model for our lives. Jesus's love for Judas, even in betrayal, calls us to love without restriction, to serve without expectation, and to forgive those who have hurt us.
As we navigate our own Gethsemane moments, may we find strength in Jesus's example, choosing to love and serve as He did. Let us be a mature church, willing to embrace discomfort and lean into the process of transformation, knowing that through death comes life.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Path Through Gethsemane: Our journey often leads us through difficult seasons, akin to Gethsemane, where we face trials and betrayals. These moments are not without purpose; they are the gateway to greater life and resurrection. Embracing these trials with faith allows God to work deeply within us, transforming our hearts and aligning us with His purposes. [01:35:16]
2. The Depth of Jesus's Love: Jesus's love for Judas, even in the face of betrayal, challenges us to love unconditionally. This love is not based on what we receive in return but is a call to serve and go low, following Jesus's example of humility and grace. It is a love that invites us to forgive and extend grace to those who have hurt us. [01:37:32]
3. Transformation Through the Word: Proximity to Jesus, as seen in Judas's life, does not guarantee transformation. We must allow the teachings of Jesus to penetrate our hearts, moving beyond mere knowledge to a lived experience of His word. This transformation requires us to embody His teachings and let them shape our actions and relationships. [01:39:44]
4. The Call to Serve: Jesus's act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of servanthood. We are called to serve others with humility, regardless of their actions towards us. This service is an expression of love that reflects the heart of Jesus, inviting us to lay down our lives for others. [01:41:16]
5. Embracing the Kingdom Way: The way of the kingdom is gritty and costly, requiring us to lay down our lives for others. It is a call to love the unlovable, to go to the lowest places, and to serve those whom the world has rejected. This is the path Jesus walked, and it is the path we are called to follow as His disciples. [01:43:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:35:16] - The Path Through Gethsemane
- [01:37:32] - The Depth of Jesus's Love
- [01:39:44] - Transformation Through the Word
- [01:41:16] - The Call to Serve
- [01:43:02] - Embracing the Kingdom Way
- [01:46:59] - A Story of Love and Redemption
- [01:48:54] - The Impact of Unconditional Love
- [01:49:55] - Our Call to Love the Unlovable
- [01:50:47] - Following Jesus's Example
- [01:51:56] - Prayer and Reflection
- [01:54:05] - Healing and Forgiveness
- [01:55:27] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 13:1-17
- Ezekiel 37:1-14
- James 1:22
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#### Observation Questions
1. In John 13, what significant act does Jesus perform for His disciples, and what does this symbolize about His character? [01:39:44]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Jesus and Judas, and what does this reveal about Jesus's approach to love and betrayal? [01:37:32]
3. What is the significance of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37, and how does it relate to the theme of resurrection and life in the sermon? [01:35:16]
4. According to the sermon, what does the story of Judas teach us about the difference between proximity to Jesus and true transformation? [01:35:16]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus's act of washing the disciples' feet challenge our understanding of leadership and servanthood? [01:39:44]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of trials and betrayals in our spiritual growth and transformation? [01:35:16]
3. How does the sermon interpret the love Jesus showed to Judas, and what implications does this have for how we should love others? [01:37:32]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the teachings of Jesus should move beyond knowledge and into lived experience? [01:35:16]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt betrayed or hurt by someone close to you. How can Jesus's example of love and forgiveness towards Judas guide your response? [01:37:32]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing God's word to transform us. What practical steps can you take to ensure that the teachings of Jesus penetrate your heart and influence your actions? [01:35:16]
3. Consider the concept of "going low" and serving others as Jesus did. What is one specific way you can serve someone in your life this week, especially someone who may be difficult to love? [01:43:02]
4. How can you embrace the "Gethsemane moments" in your life, viewing them as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than obstacles? [01:35:16]
5. The sermon challenges us to love unconditionally, even when it is costly. Identify a relationship in your life where you can practice this kind of love, and discuss what that might look like in practical terms. [01:37:32]
6. Reflect on the story of the valley of dry bones. In what areas of your life do you need to prophesy life and resurrection, trusting in God's power to bring transformation? [01:35:16]
7. How can you ensure that your knowledge of Jesus translates into a genuine relationship with Him, avoiding the pitfall of being like Judas, who was close to Jesus but not transformed by Him? [01:35:16]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Embracing Trials as Pathways to Life
In our spiritual journey, we often encounter seasons that resemble Gethsemane, marked by trials and betrayals. These challenging moments are not without purpose; they serve as gateways to greater life and resurrection. Embracing these trials with faith allows God to work deeply within us, transforming our hearts and aligning us with His purposes. Just as Jesus faced His own Gethsemane, we too are called to trust in God's goodness and His plans for our lives, even when the path seems difficult. [01:35:16]
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)
Reflection: What current trial are you facing that you can choose to embrace as a pathway to deeper life and transformation? How can you invite God to work in your heart through this experience today?
Day 2: Loving Beyond Betrayal
The depth of Jesus's love is profoundly demonstrated in His relationship with Judas, even in the face of betrayal. This love challenges us to love unconditionally, not based on what we receive in return, but as a call to serve and go low, following Jesus's example of humility and grace. It is a love that invites us to forgive and extend grace to those who have hurt us, reflecting the heart of Jesus in our actions and relationships. [01:37:32]
"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27-28, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone who has hurt you. How can you begin to extend unconditional love and forgiveness to them today, following Jesus's example?
Day 3: Allowing the Word to Transform
Proximity to Jesus, as seen in Judas's life, does not guarantee transformation. We must allow the teachings of Jesus to penetrate our hearts, moving beyond mere knowledge to a lived experience of His word. This transformation requires us to embody His teachings and let them shape our actions and relationships. It is a call to not just know about Jesus but to let His word transform us from the inside out. [01:39:44]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to move from being a hearer to a doer of the Word? What practical step can you take today to embody Jesus's teachings?
Day 4: Serving with Humility
Jesus's act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of servanthood. We are called to serve others with humility, regardless of their actions towards us. This service is an expression of love that reflects the heart of Jesus, inviting us to lay down our lives for others. It challenges us to serve without expectation, embodying the love and grace of Jesus in our daily interactions. [01:41:16]
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve today with humility and love, without expecting anything in return? How can you practically demonstrate this servanthood?
Day 5: Walking the Kingdom Way
The way of the kingdom is gritty and costly, requiring us to lay down our lives for others. It is a call to love the unlovable, to go to the lowest places, and to serve those whom the world has rejected. This is the path Jesus walked, and it is the path we are called to follow as His disciples. Embracing this kingdom way invites us to live out our faith in tangible, sacrificial ways, reflecting the heart of Jesus to the world. [01:43:02]
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can lay down your life for someone else this week, following the kingdom way of Jesus? How can you step into this call with courage and faith?
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Quotes
``!!01:22:58!!# - "thanks chris it is uh very much like coming home when we come here so thanks for having us again I had two messages this morning that I felt like Jesus had put in my heart and one of them is kind of a message that I want to share with you and I want to share with you kind of a I guess prophetic word that I feel like I'm carrying on the inside of me at the moment for the church not just for numa church but for the church and I really wanted to deliver that word this morning because it's fun and it's super encouraging um and it was based out of ezekiel 37 so yeah I was I was excited I was gonna I wanted to go there but the other word that the lord had placed in my heart was um about the relationship that Jesus had with Judas which doesn't feel quite so much fun and uh wasn't really the word that I wanted to give but the last 48 hours I've just felt the lord pulling me there and pulling me there and I was sharing it with Simon and Emma and saying I really want to give the valley of dry bones but I think the lord has said I have to talk about Judas and so when the lady where where's the lovely lady who just came and Chantal came and gave the word about the valley of dry bones I tend to win no like no you still have to talk about Judas um I our network had its kind of European conference a couple of weeks ago in Germany and I was given the Friday night to speak and to share no the Saturday night and you know what the Saturday night meeting is like at a conference it's like power so I was kind of waiting on the lord for this word and he took me into Gethsemane which really wasn't where I wanted to go but he gave me this very heavy word actually on the invitation to us as his followers into Gethsemane and a few of you have come up and go hey so good to see you how are you I've gone um I think I'm okay I think I'm okay but if I describe to you the journey of my life over the last six months I've been through a lot of things and I've been it would be I feel like I've been living in an extended Gethsemane moment I actually um was given a prophetic word in March from Kat she sent me a whatsapp saying I have a word for you and I remember reading it the lord says you're about to enter a season of great trial I'm like oh not the kind of words you go woo come on you know but she she said some beautiful things in there the lord says um the glory of God is going to be released at the same time it's his very important season so do not bail out and I actually had to print those words off in the last six months and have them put above my office do not bail out however hard however painful however costly he's worth it thank you for the word that has kept me standing through what's actually been probably the hardest season of my life and and here we are and I'm in Europe and I this German conference and I'm speaking on Gethsemane and then I'm coming here and I want to do the valley and the lord's like Judas and I'm like wow intense it's just a lot of there's a lot of challenge I think for us but this is the wonder of the kingdom I believe that the lord's word prophetically to his church in the UK is Ezekiel 37 prophesy to the dry bones and life will come life is coming but this is the wonder of the kingdom and this is something that we have to understand and something we have to wrestle with I think in the kingdom the the gateway into life and into greater life is always death"
[01:35:16]
- "If he had a question about something, he didn't have to go and find a Bible and look up what it was that God thought about it. He could just turn around and ask him directly. He didn't not have the knowledge of who God was, but what happened was the knowledge, it kind of came in to his brain, but it didn't seem to enter his heart. Everything took place externally. It took place externally around him, but it never seemed to come internally into the inside of him."
[01:36:48] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
- "We have to work out as the church, we have to work out as the church, we have to work out as the church, we have to grow up right now. This is what the Lord is requiring, I think, of his people. And we have to learn how to not just get into the word of God, but actually to get the word of God into us and for it to become living and active. And actually we display the word of God. Judas knew about Jesus, but he didn't know him."
[01:38:07]
- "There is a very, very big difference. He didn't love him, but Jesus loved Judas. He loved him. It says in verse 1, he had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. This included Judas."
[01:38:31]
- "It is stunning to me how Jesus over and over again, very actively and intentionally chose to draw near to the ones who are willing to hurt him, betray him. Execute him."
[01:39:31]
- "And I have to ask myself the question again when I'm reading this story, would I love like that? Or actually, probably the more important question is, do I love like that? And if I'm not? Something needs to change in me."
[01:42:32] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
- "He begins to scrape the dirt off with his hands, bathing each foot until it's clean. And then he moves his way all around the room. And he bathes the feet of everyone there, even Judas."
[01:46:00]
- "just not his feet. And there's a lot of conversation around, well, what did Jesus mean? And in a sense, it doesn't really matter. I think the underlying invitation that he is giving to his followers, his disciples then, and us as his disciples now, the underlying invitation is one to go low."
[01:46:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
- "The invitation is go low, serve, love like he did, love without hesitation, love without restriction, love regardless of what is given back to you, love those who you find difficult, love those who rub you up the wrong way, love those who hurt you and hurt your family."
[01:50:31]
- "And to love the ones that the world has declared to be unlovable. That's our job. That's what Jesus did."
[01:50:48]
- "This is the way of the kingdom. And it's gritty. And it's messy. And it's costly. And it's hard. And you don't always live. And you don't always live. And you don't always live. And you don't always feel like you want to do it. But we choose to do it anyway because that's what Jesus would do. And he is our great example. And we're just here to honor him. Right?"
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