December 8, 2016

IS JUDAS A PUNCHING BAG, OR A WARNING SIGN OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU?

John 18:1–27

James Jenkins
Thursday's Devo

December 8, 2016

Thursday's Devo

December 8, 2016

Central Truth

Judas Iscariot is certainly one of the most infamous people in the whole Bible. His name is even synonymous with betrayal itself. We should all see Judas as a warning of what can happen when we're not daily seeking God and practicing the commands of Scripture.

Key Verse | John 18:3

So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. (John 18:3)

John 18:1–27

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” 1 18:5 Greek I am; also verses 6, 8 Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus 2 18:6 Greek he said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant 3 18:10 Or bondservant; twice in this verse and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Jesus Faces Annas and Caiaphas

12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews 4 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14, 31, 36, 38 arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

Peter Denies Jesus

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants 5 18:18 Or bondservants; also verse 26 and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

The High Priest Questions Jesus

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Peter Denies Jesus Again

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

Footnotes

[1] 18:5 Greek I am; also verses 6, 8
[2] 18:6 Greek he
[3] 18:10 Or bondservant; twice in this verse
[4] 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14, 31, 36, 38
[5] 18:18 Or bondservants; also verse 26

Dive Deeper | John 18:1–27

If the four Gospels were a Hollywood movie, today's reading would definitely be one of the most intense scenes. We see the climax of the story of Judas, a man who had spent three years living every day in the company of Jesus. We witness one of the most infamous betrayals in all of human history. It's so easy for me to read this passage and immediately jump to condemnation of Judas's actions. Pride starts to well up in me as I think, "I would never do that!"

The difficult realization I face, however, is that too often in my life, I'm no different than Judas. The Bible makes it clear that all sin violates God's righteous standards. In fact, apart from the grace and mercy that are available to us through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross, we all have an impossibly high bar to attain righteousness on our own. James reminds us, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." (James 2:10, NIV) What this tells me is that my sins of apathy and pride violate God's standards just like someone else's sin of stealing. My sin of putting other priorities ahead of God and His plan for my life violates His holiness as did Judas' betrayal in the Garden of Gethsamane.

I think we can all agree that Judas missed the mark. His priorities and perspective were flawed. I need to learn from Judas' mistakes and remember that to make the very most of the life I've been given, my priorities have to be in order. One of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis tells us that "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."

May I forever be reminded of the importance of daily living a bold life of devotion to God.

Discussion Questions

1. Judas chose his own goals and ambitions over following Jesus, which led to Judas' downfall. How can we guard against placing our own will and goals above God's sovereign plan for our lives?

2. How should we daily live so that we stay grounded in truth and correct perspective? What specific actions support that goal?

3. Scripture indicates that Judas was a loner and not fully involved with the other disciples. How can biblical community positively impact your life? How can wise counsel from trusted friends steer you away from destruction?

4. Jesus showed perfect restraint and submission to God's plan throughout the whole scene in the Garden. How can we practice peace and submission in our own lives so that we're prepared and ready for the crises that will inevitably come our way?