There is probably no disciple of Jesus more puzzling to us than Judas Iscariot.
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What can we learn from Judas Iscariot about being a disciple of Jesus?
Lesson #1 – You can Jesus but not Him.
Ish Kerioth = Man of Kerioth = Iscariot
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According to prophecy, the reason Jesus chose Judas was due to the fact that He considered Judas a friend.
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Supporting Scripture: John 13:18 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Psalm 41:9 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Matthew 10:1 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Acts 1:15-17 (ESV)
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Judas might have followed Jesus geographically, but he never submitted His soul to follow Jesus spiritually.
Supporting Scripture: 1 John 2:18-19 (ESV)
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Lesson #2 – Following Jesus is a choice of .
Supporting Scripture: John 13:2 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: John 6:70-71 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: John 13:25-27 (ESV)
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Lesson #3 – sinful decisions the door for sinful decisions.
Supporting Scripture: John 12:4-6 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Matthew 26: 14-16 (ESV)
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Lesson #4 – Nothing good can come from turning away from Jesus.
Supporting Scripture: Mark 14:21
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In the same way that Jesus offered Judas bread, Jesus offers the bread of reconciliation to each of us.
John 13:1-30 recounts the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, focusing on His final meal with His disciples, His act of washing their feet, and the revelation of Judas’ impending betrayal. This passage offers profound insights into reconciliation, humility, and love. Here are some personal reflection questions that might help you explore these themes more deeply:
- Jesus’ Humility and Service:
- How does Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet challenge your understanding of leadership and service? What does this act teach you about humility in your own life?
- Betrayal and Forgiveness:
- Reflect on the moment Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer. How do you think Jesus felt knowing Judas’ betrayal was imminent? How does this shape your understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation?
- Personal Betrayal:
- Have you ever experienced a situation where someone you trusted betrayed you? How did that experience impact your ability to reconcile with them or others?
- Extending Grace:
- Jesus’ response to Judas and His washing of the disciples’ feet demonstrate grace. How can you extend grace to those who have wronged you, and what steps might you take to work toward reconciliation?
- Understanding Reconciliation:
- What does reconciliation mean to you personally? How does Jesus’ approach to reconciliation in this passage influence your view of resolving conflicts in your own relationships?
- Reflection on Judas’ Role:
- Judas’ role as the betrayer is pivotal in the narrative. How do you reconcile the idea of Judas being part of God’s plan with the concepts of free will and responsibility?
- Self-Examination:
- In what ways might you be acting in a manner that requires reconciliation with others? Are there unresolved conflicts or relationships where you might need to seek or offer forgiveness?
- Acting in Love:
- Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them. How does this command impact your relationships with others, particularly in the context of conflict and reconciliation?
- Personal Reflection on Leadership:
- Considering Jesus’ example of servanthood, how might you apply this model to your own role as a leader, whether in your personal, professional, or spiritual life?
- Hope and Redemption:
- How does the promise of redemption and the hope of reconciliation in this passage influence your perspective on personal and communal conflicts?
These questions are meant to guide a deeper personal exploration of the themes of humility, betrayal, and reconciliation as demonstrated in John 13:1-30. Reflecting on these aspects can provide insight into how you navigate relationships and conflicts in your own life.