Sermon Central
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How Judas Lost His Soul
Contributed by Howard Mcglamery on Dec 18, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Judas shows us just how close a person can get to Jesus and yet not believe.
How Judas Lost His Soul
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Introduction
Years ago while I was in college, my Pastor preached a sermon on “How Judas Lost His Soul”. That morning over 50 adults were saved. Many of them were students who had been brought up in Christian homes. Several were the sons and daughters of pastors. How is it that a person can grow up being constantly exposed to the gospel and yet not really be a Christian?
The Bible tells us of a man that spent over three years at the feet of Jesus and yet never believed.
I. What Do We Know About Judas?
1. Jesus and the Twelve - Lk. 6:12, 13
A. Jesus spent the night in prayer and then called his 12 disciples of whom Judas was included.
Simon Peter –-- James –-- John --- Andrew –-- Philip –-- Nathaniel (Bartholomew)
Thomas --- Matthew (Levi) --- James the Less --- Judas Thaddeus --- Simon the Zealot ---
And Judas Iscariot
B. Two Characteristics are notable every time the twelve are mentioned:
1.) Simon Peter is always listed first
2.) Judas Iscariot is always listed last and it is always noted that he betrayed the Lord.
2. The Disciples and Judas
A. None of the disciples knew who would betray Jesus.
B. One of the disciples was Judas’ partner when Jesus sent them out ‘two by two’.
II. Why Preach On Judas?
Judas shows us just how close a person can get to Jesus and not be a Christian.
1. He saw Jesus walk on water.
2. He saw Jesus raise the dead.
3. He was there when Jesus opened the eyes of the blind.
4. He heard all the divine wisdom which Jesus used to silence His critics.
5. He walked by Jesus side all across Palestine.
6. He heard Jesus pray many times and perhaps even prayed with Him.
7. He saw the love for people that Jesus had in His eyes.
8. He saw Jesus walk among sinful men for over three years and yet he never say Him do
anything wrong.
9. He sat with Jesus as the Last Supper and broke bread with Him.
10. He knew Jesus was the Son of God and yet he never trusted Him as Savior.
11. He betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
Someone said: “Judas kissed the door to Heaven but died and went to Hell.”
12. He was so close to Jesus, but so far.
III. Just How Did Judas Lose His Soul?
1. Judas shows us the depravity of the human heart and how hard it can get.
A. There is no record of Judas ever being converted.
B. There is no record of his ever being convicted of his sin.
2. Judas pretended to be something that he wasn’t.
A. Judas was a Hypocrite – “hypocrite” means “actor” – It is playing a part.
Illustration – A Greek actor would use a mask when acted. When he changed characters he would
simply change masks.
B. There is a difference between a weak or backslidden Christian and a Hypocrite. - A Hypocrite never
knew the Lord.
3. Judas betrayed Jesus because, among other things, he loved money. He betrayed Him for money.
4. Many held Jesus in highly – yet Judas held Him in low esteem.
5. Judas was the greatest traitor in human history. He had a part in the greatest injustice that was ever done.
IV. “I Have Sinned” – The Three Hardest Words To Say - Matt. 27:1-10
At least seven times in the Bible, men have said these three words.
