Jesus and Judas: What We Can Learn from Judas Jesus and Judas: What We Can Learn from Judas Table of Contents Leader Preparation
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Jesus and Judas: What We Can Learn from Judas Jesus and Judas: What We Can Learn from Judas Table of Contents Leader Preparation.............................................................................................................................................1 Lesson Overview.....................................................................................................................................1 Lesson Objectives....................................................................................................................................1 Primary Scriptures - John 6:60-70; John 12:1-6; Matthew 26:14-16; Matthew 26:47-50; Matthew 27:1-5......................................................................................................................................................1 John 6:60-70............................................................................................................................................1 60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”...........1 John 12:1-6..............................................................................................................................................2 Matthew 26:14-16....................................................................................................................................2 Matthew 26:47-50....................................................................................................................................2 Matthew 27:1-5........................................................................................................................................3 Secondary Scriptures: Luke 22:3-6; John 13:18-26; John 17:12.............................................................3 Teaching Prep..........................................................................................................................................3 Lesson Objective......................................................................................................................................3 Summary of Judas Iscariot.......................................................................................................................4 Is Judas redeemed?..................................................................................................................................4 Has he been forgiven and is he therefore in heaven?...............................................................................5 The Before & After (optional)...........................................................................................................................7 Text Message Questions..........................................................................................................................7 Parent Email.............................................................................................................................................7 Lesson Guide.......................................................................................................................................................8 Getting Things Started (optional)............................................................................................................8 Teaching Points........................................................................................................................................9 Summary................................................................................................................................................11 Announcements......................................................................................................................................12 Shared Prayer and Peace........................................................................................................................12 For keeps................................................................................................................................................12 VIDEOS for the Lesson On Judas.........................................................................................................12 i Leader Preparation Lesson Overview Judas was a disciple - one of the twelve chosen to be the closest followers of Jesus. Judas had a conflicted image of who Jesus should be as the Messiah - the Anointed. This conflict contributed to his eventual betrayal of his Rabbi, Jesus. Judas put into motion the ultimate salvation events for the world. His betrayal led to Jesus' arrest, his trial, his humilation, his death and triumph through the resurrection. If Jesus came to die for our sins and bring us salvation through his resurrection, then is Judas a goat or a hero? It may be clearer that Judas is no hero - but - given that he was one of the original 12 disiciples chosen by Jesus and he was intimately connected to Jesus' ministry for 3 years - was Judas a man of faith or betrayal? And if he was a man of faith, was he forgiven and redeemed even after his betrayal? We will explore all of this as we look more closely at the enigma who is Judas Iscariot. What can we learn from his life - his choices - and his death? Lesson Objectives In this Lesson we will learn more about who Judas Iscariot is as person - as disciple - and as sinner. 1. As a Christ follower we cannot simply "act like a Christian". We can go through the motions of being a Christian by going to Church, and doing good acts, and even declaring faith in Jesus --- but our faith must be firm and founded in the love and salvation of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 2. As believers in Jesus Christ, we must be ever watchful and dedicated to following God's will for our lives and not our own selfish and sinful will. And we can only know this through prayer - reading of Scriptures - and faithful following of the teachings of Jesus. 3. To be truly forgiven for our sins we must first have faith in Jesus Christ and in our loving creator God. Through Faith Alone do we receive salvation and the forgiveness of sins. In Faith we receive Grace! And then in true faithful confession of sins, we are forgiven. 4. Finally, do not judge a life for that life might mirror your own. We need to look at Judas' life and relationship with Jesus and seek to understand it more closely. Primary Scriptures - John 6:60-70; John 12:1-6; Matthew 26:14-16; Matthew 26:47-50; Matthew 27:1-5 John 6:60-70 60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 1 Jesus and Judas: What We Can Learn from Judas 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[e] and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.) John 12:1-6 12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him,objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 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. Matthew 26:14-16 14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:47-50 47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[d] Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 2 Jesus and Judas: What We Can Learn from Judas Matthew 27:1-5 27 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. 2 So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor. 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver