## The Betrayal

## Matthew 26:36-50

It had been three years since Jesus called His disciples together in order to choose twelve very special individuals to become the apostles. The Bible tells us that after He called the twelve. He sent them forth to preach, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. (Lk. 9:1)

It had been an exciting time for the apostles, they had seen many great works and wonders performed by Jesus that declared Him to be the true Son of God. But all of that was quickly coming to an end. The time was at hand. The betrayal of Christ was soon to take place.

Today we want to look at the character of Judas Iscariot. The man, who betrayed Christ, sold Him out for the price of a slave...30 pieces of silver. Biblical names are very popular even today, but the name of Judas is one that is seldom given because of the connection with the fact of his betrayal of Christ.

I. Consider the Betrayer. Mt. 26:14

A. His character.

1. He was unsaved!

a. He was a follower, but not a believer.

b. He was like many individuals today.

c. Willing to go through the motions of serving God, but are lacking a true regeneration.

d. He had never been born again…many people have heard the term, but never experienced it.

(1 John 5:1) "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."

2. He was devil-possessed!

a. The devil put betrayal in his heart.

(John 13:2) "And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;"

b. Then later, Satan actually possessed. him in order to accomplish his purpose.

(John 13:27) "And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly."

c. Jesus said that no man could serve two masters:

d. Judas was a servant of Satan, while masquerading as a servant of God. e. He was not the first, nor was he the last to do so.

B. His privileges.

1. He was one of the twelve.

2. He saw the power of Christ in His miracles.

3. He heard the Word of Christ.

4. He was warned against his awful act.

a. In general: '...he that believeth not is condemned' Jn. 3:18

b. In specifics: '...woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed' cf Mt. 26:24

5. Salvation is more than just being around saved people…

6. It is more than seeing the power of God work…

7. It is more than hearing the Word of God…

8. Judas had all of this and yet he still wasn't saved!

II. Consider the Bargain. Mt. 26:15

A. What he got.

1. Thirty pieces of silver, about $15-00.

a. That was the price of a slave

b. Judas literally sold out Jesus

2. The name of a traitor.

a. The name Judas is synonymous with being a traitor

b. It is a name that is automatically associated with treachery and deceit.

3. An eternity in hell

a. Not much of a bargain was it?

b. And yet people make the same choice today.

c. When confronted with the Truth of God's Word, many choose to ignore it and go their own way.

B. What he lost.

1. He lost the only hope that anyone could have, Jesus.

a. There is no other way for an individual to be saved.

b. Jesus had told him that 'no man cometh to the Father, but by me'.

2. He lost peace with God and a heavenly home.

3. He literally lost his own soul.

a. When he made the bargain, he thought he was selling Jesus for thirty pieces of silver

b. But in reality, he was selling himself.

C. People are still making the same bargain.

1. Some exchange Jesus for pleasure or popularity.

2. Others trade Jesus for power and ambition.

3. Many would rather have the treasures of this earth than the precious Son of God.

(Mark 8:36-37) "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? {37} Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

III. Consider the Betrayal. Mt. 26:47-50

A. The false kiss.

1. Judas never called Jesus Lord.

2. "...no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." 1 Co. 12:3

3. Many yet today give Jesus the 'Judas kiss' by their lips of profession while denying Him with their hearts.

B. The remorse he felt. Mt. 27:3-4

1. When he saw that he was condemned, he was sorry for what he had done.

2. But remorse over the evil deed was not enough to bring forgiveness.

3. He sought relief by going to the chief priests and elders and trying to return the blood money.

4. But there is only one place to find true forgiveness…Jesus!

5. He confessed his sin, but to the wrong person; the priests were unconcerned with it.

6. Religion is not the answer to the needs of the sinner, only Jesus can satisfy the soul.

C. The awful end to a tragic life. Mt. 27:5

1. Unable to find a relief for his troubled soul, Judas goes out to destroy himself.

2. We wonder, how could anyone be so blind as to be with Jesus and still not be saved?

3. But Paul wrote that 'the god of this world' has blinded their minds so that they cannot understand the truth. cf 2 Co. 4:4

4. Judas went to his own place.

(Acts 1:25) "That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place."

a. Every man has his own place.

b. Here and in eternity.

c. The believer's place is a place of eternal joy, but the unbeliever faces an eternity of torment.

This morning there may be someone here in this auditorium that has betrayed Christ as Judas did. Sold Him out for something this world has to offer. Consider the results of the bargain he made. If you have never received Christ as your Savior, then you need to come to Him today.

Judas could have been saved, if he had only confessed to Jesus and placed his faith in Him. Jesus said, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out". Won't you come this morning?

Perhaps your service to Him hasn't been what it should be in the past, come and rededicate yourself to Him right now.

If there is a need or a burden you are carrying, He said, "Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and He would give you rest." Whatever the reason, would you come today?