Jesus' Betrayal, Our Blessing

Phillip Gumerson 29/07/12 Key Verses: Luke 22:1-6 Who was Judas Iscariot? Chosen from among a large number. (Luke 6:12-16, NIV) Sent out with miraculous power. (Matthew 10:1-4, NIV) Heard Peter proclaim Jesus as Lord. (John 6:66-71, NIV) Became the treasurer of the ministry. (John 12:6, John 13:29, NIV) Witnessed Jesus' work Became greedy and indignant. (John 12:1-6, NIV) Exhibited two critical characteristics. (John 12:1-6, NIV) Exhibited two satanic characteristics. (John 8:44, John 10:10, NIV) Became open to satan's influence. (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22:3-6, NIV) Had his feet washed by Jesus. (John 13:2-5, NIV) Took part in the first communion. (Luke 22:19-22, NIV) Was judged as harshly as the Pharisees. (Luke 22:19-22, NIV) After one final refusal, was posessed. (John 13:21-27, NIV) Betrayed Jesus with a kiss. (Matthew 26:47-50, NIV) Felt remorse, not repentance. (Matthew 27:3-5, NIV) Willing fitted into God's exact design. (Acts 2:22-24, NIV) Was instrumental in our salvation. (Acts 2:32-33, 36, NIV) Lessons learned 1. Just because you hang around with Jesus doesn't mean you are saved. 2. Deliberate sinfulness gives satan the opening he needs to exert influence. 3. Judas is still held responsible although it was prophesied and he was influenced by satan. 4. None of this was a surprise to Jesus, although it grieved him greatly. 5. God used the greater betrayal and the worse crime ever committed to produce the best outcome for mankind ever conceived.