John Chapter 13 v 18-30

1. John Chapter 13 v 18-30 The traitor within

2. Betrayal • Warnings from the sins of Judas • Lessons from the example of Jesus

3. The story unfolds The room is made ready The meal is served Jesus washes his disciples’ feet The Lord’s supper inaugurated In the midst of all this..... .......sin rears its ugly head The other disciples had no idea of Judas’ intended treachery

4. Lesson no. 1 • Sin is no respector of occasion • While leading the angels in the worship of heaven, Satan sinned and fell. • In the midst of paradise, the Garden of Eden, the serpent appeared. • In the midst of the sublime intimacy and sanctity of the upper room, sin comes to the fore. • Even in the presence of God, Satan can place temptation before us.

5. Judas the traitor • Chosen by Christ • One of the twelve disciples • The treasurer • Had spent over 3 years in Jesus’ company • The other disciples had no idea of his intended treachery

6. Lesson no. 2 • Sin is no respector of persons: • Respected in the community • Church members • Church workers • Church leaders • Missionaries • Preachers • Worship leaders • Sunday school teachers

7. Lesson no. 2 • Sin is no respector of persons: • If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 1 Corinthians 10 v12 • “We are all quite capable of the worst sin. If we think otherwise, we are deluded and have no real idea how much we owe to the grace of God.” (IVP Commentary) • Spiritual maturity, fruitful ministry, a sense of God’s calling do grant immunity from temptation and sin.

8. Why did Judas betray Jesus? • Judas’ betrayal was foretold in the Psalms: • “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” Psalm 41 v9 • Jesus knew that his time had come • Did Judas have to be the traitor?

9. Judas – a victim of fate? • Judas played with fire: One of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 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. John 12 v4-6

10. Judas – a victim of fate? • Judas allowed temptation to take root, and bear fruit: • The devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. John 13 v2 • Then one of the Twelve – the one called Judas Iscariot – went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26 v14, 15

11. Judas – a victim of fate? • Judas looked out for himself • He helped himself to the contents of the disciples fund. • “What are you willing to give me...?”

12. Judas – a victim of fate? • Judas resisted God, and the cleansing that repentance and trust in God brings: • “...you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. John 13 v 10,11 • “....whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” John 13 v 19

13. Judas – a victim of fate? • He resisted Jesus’ offer of friendship, forgiveness and reconciliation right to the end: • Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.

14. Judas – a victim of fate? • Judas opened himself up to Satan • As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. (v 27) • Judas finally left the presence of Jesus and entered spiritual darkness • As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. (v30)

15. Lesson no. 3 • Don’t give Satan a foothold • “Small” sins lead to “bigger” sins • The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6 v9-11 • For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3 v16

16. Lesson no. 3 • Don’t give Satan a foothold • Temptation arises • throughout our day to day activities, • through our interactions with others, • from our inner thoughts, • but also from Christian ministry

17. Lesson no. 3 • Don’t give Satan a foothold • Christian ministry • may place us in a position of authority • may place us in a position of trust • places us in relationship with others

18. Lesson no. 4 • Don’t resist the forgiveness and salvation that Jesus offers. • If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Hebrews 10:26-27

19. Jesus responds in love • Judas is included in the washing of feet and the meal • Jesus was “troubled in spirit” because of his love for his disciples – including his betrayer • Jesus offered Judas a way out

20. Lesson no. 5 • Jesus loves us even more than we thought • He is grieved by our sin • His hand is always stretched out towards us

21. Lesson no. 6 How do we react to betrayal? Revenge? Gloating? Justice? Exclusion? Vindication?

22. Lesson no. 6 How did Jesus respond to betrayal? • He washed Judas’ feet • He sat at the table with Judas • He offered Judas a sign of friendship and honour • He provided a way out for Judas

23. Summing up • Sin is no respector of occasion • Sin is no respector of persons • Don’t give Satan a foothold • Don’t resist God’s grace and forgiveness • Jesus loves us way beyond we ever thought • When we are betrayed we should respond as Jesus would