John Chapter 13 v 18-30

The traitor within

Betrayal

• Warnings from the sins of Judas

• Lessons from the example of Jesus

The story unfolds

The room is made readyThe meal is servedJesus washes his disciples’ feetThe Lord’s supper inauguratedIn the midst of all this.....

.......sin rears its ugly headThe other disciples had no idea of Judas’ intended

treachery

Lesson no. 1

• Sin is no respector of occasion– While leading the angels in the worship of heaven,

Satan sinned and fell.– In the midst of paradise, the Garden of Eden, the

serpent appeared.– In the midst of the sublime intimacy and sanctity

of the upper room, sin comes to the fore.– Even in the presence of God, Satan can place

temptation before us.

Judas the traitor

• Chosen by Christ• One of the twelve disciples• The treasurer• Had spent over 3 years in Jesus’ company• The other disciples had no idea of his intended

treachery

Lesson no. 2

• Sin is no respector of persons:– Respected in the community– Church members– Church workers– Church leaders– Missionaries– Preachers– Worship leaders– Sunday school teachers

Lesson no. 2

• Sin is no respector of persons:– If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you

don't fall! 1 Corinthians 10 v12

– “We are all quite capable of the worst sin. If we think otherwise, we are deluded and have no real idea how much we owe to the grace of God.”

(IVP Commentary)

– Spiritual maturity, fruitful ministry, a sense of God’s calling do grant immunity from temptation and sin.

Why did Judas betray Jesus?

Judas – a victim of fate?

• Judas played with fire: One of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag he used to help himself to what was put into it.

John 12 v4-6

Judas – a victim of fate?

• Judas allowed temptation to take root, and bear fruit:– The devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot,

son of Simon, to betray Jesus.John 13 v2

– Then one of the Twelve – the one called Judas Iscariot – went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Matthew 26 v14, 15

Judas – a victim of fate?

• Judas looked out for himself– He helped himself to the contents of the disciples

fund.

– “What are you willing to give me...?”

Judas – a victim of fate?

Judas – a victim of fate?

• He resisted Jesus’ offer of friendship, forgiveness and reconciliation right to the end:– Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give

this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.

Judas – a victim of fate?

• Judas opened himself up to Satan– As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered

into him. (v 27)

• Judas finally left the presence of Jesus and entered spiritual darkness– As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went

out. And it was night. (v30)

Lesson no. 3

• Don’t give Satan a foothold– “Small” sins lead to “bigger” sins– The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6 v9-11

– For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

James 3 v16

Lesson no. 3

• Don’t give Satan a foothold• Temptation arises – throughout our day to day activities, – through our interactions with others, – from our inner thoughts, – but also from Christian ministry

Lesson no. 3

• Don’t give Satan a foothold• Christian ministry– may place us in a position of authority– may place us in a position of trust– places us in relationship with others

Lesson no. 4

• Don’t resist the forgiveness and salvation that Jesus offers.– If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have

received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Hebrews 10:26-27

Jesus responds in love

• Judas is included in the washing of feet and the meal

• Jesus was “troubled in spirit” because of his love for his disciples – including his betrayer

• Jesus offered Judas a way out

Lesson no. 5

• Jesus loves us even more than we thought– He is grieved by our sin– His hand is always stretched out towards us

Lesson no. 6

How do we react to betrayal?Revenge?

Gloating?Justice?

Exclusion?Vindication?

Lesson no. 6

How did Jesus respond to betrayal?• He washed Judas’ feet• He sat at the table with Judas• He offered Judas a sign of

friendship and honour• He provided a way out for Judas

Summing up

1. Sin is no respector of occasion2. Sin is no respector of persons3. Don’t give Satan a foothold4. Don’t resist God’s grace and forgiveness5. Jesus loves us way beyond we ever thought6. When we are betrayed we should respond as

Jesus would