In this sermon Graham is again preaching from John’s gospel. This is part 4 of a series on chapters 13 to 17. This week Graham shares more thoughts on chapter 13 and the the failure of Judas.

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Sermon John 13, Judas part 2
Judas.

1) v12 “When he had finished washing their feet.”

He washed the feet of Judas too.

What did Judas feel as Jesus washed his feet?

What did Jesus feel?

We serve because we must, not because of expected results (v14).

 

2) V27 “What you are about to do, do quickly.”

It is already accomplished in the heart of Judas.

Matthew 5:28

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 9:4

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?

Matthew 12:34

You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Matthew 22:37

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Jeremiah 31:31 -34

The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, declares the LORD.

This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the LORD. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

There are some things to be done quickly, see Matthew 5:23,24.

 

3) Judas went out

Judas in Darkness (see a previous week, “And you are clean, though not every one of you.” Here he refers to Judas.)

Judas disconnected himself from this holy group, the beginnings of the church that will span the globe. It is an honour to be in, and a horror to be outside. Are you in or out?

The importance of the ‘group’ is seen in Acts 2:47. The Spirit of God saw fit to record the words, “..Added to..” which emphasises the community aspect rather than the individual. The ‘group’ destiny is again emphasised in Romans 12.

1 Peter 5:2-4 commands leaders to “Shepherd the flock of God”. How does a leader know who he is to shepherd? The scripture goes on to speak of “Those allotted to your charge” and “Give an account”. The Christian leader needs to know who is allotted to his charge, and for whom he is to give an account to the Lord. There has to be some declaration that a person has become part of the ‘group’, this declaration is known in our fellowship as membership.

Corporately we represent Jesus. We may like to do so individually but that is not the emphasis of scripture. That is why we should always seek to live in right relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The church is not a mere religious club where people drift in and out, it is a disciplined army of God’s people. We are meant to be the Body, so that the world will see Jesus. See Acts 9:5 “I am Jesus whom you persecute.” But wasn’t Paul persecuting the church, not some dead hero? He touched the church, the church is Jesus!

See Eph 1:22,23. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

“That he might be glorified … planted by the Lord”, Is 61:1-3. See Ps 92:12 “Planted in the house of the Lord.” What is the house of the Lord? The people of God! Where are your roots? Where are you planted? See also 1 Peter 2:5,9; Eph 2:21,22.

It is natural that believers will move between churches at some time. We must be sure why we do it, and be sure to be added to another as quickly as possible. 1 Corinthians 5 speaks of the man being handed over to Satan and excluded from the fellowship. This shows us the glory of being in the church and the horror of being excluded from it.

 

Conclusion

Judas betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. What is my price? Do I have one? I believe I will never know. If I have one, I believe it will never be offered.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Psalm 139:23,24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting