WEDNESDAY, HOLY WEEK-YEAR -A

I Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9: I did not cover my face against insult.

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25: The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the Scripture say he will, but alas for that man by whom he is betrayed.

The Messiah Betrayed by Judas: The Picture of a Ruined Life, Mt 26:14-16

Judas stands as a great warning to every person including the strongest believer. Judas was one of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He was a man with so much potential that he was chosen to serve with God’s very own Son during his earthly journey, but he failed and came ever so short. Just why he failed needs to be closely studied and heeded by all.

1.    Picture 1: a great call rejected (v.14)

2.    Picture 2: the gnawing sin of greed and the love of money (v.15)

3.    Picture 3: deceit and intrigue (v.16).

Thought: Judas’ great potential and terrible tragedy teaches so much:

1)    It is not ability, but availability that counts.

2)    Gifts do not assure permanent success; Christ assures permanent (eternal) success.

3)    Walking alone godly people does not assure salvation; allowing Christ to enter one’s heart and life is the only assurance of salvation.

4)    Christ sees the potential of every person’s gifts. What is lacking is person’s seeing the necessity of Christ in the use of his gifts.

5)    Greed or lust is a growing sin and very dangerous sins.

6)    It is not money that is sinful. It is the love of money (1Tim 6:10).

7)    Judas allowed his strength to become his weakness. This is often true with us.

8)    Judas not only rejected but also sought to destroy Jesus.

9)    Finally Christ gave Judas an opportunity to repent but he still betrayed Jesus.

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