GOD'S PURPOSE OVER JUDAS' BETRAYAL
- Key Verse
- "But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets." (Matthew 25:56a)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Even as believers, we must see everything in light of the gospel of Christ.
Reflections
It is so easy in any situation for me to think it’s all about me. I can still hear my 5th grade basketball coach (who happened to be my dad) say, “It is not about you, big boy. We’re a team.” Which actually made little sense to me. Each game existed to increase my scoring average, right?
Similarly, I think it is easy to miss the point in today's passage.
Judas betrays Jesus. That seems like the point. If I read this passage thinking about myself (chronically self-absorbed), I quickly think of ways in which I betray Jesus. That's not all bad, but I don't think it’s the point.
As those with Jesus try to resist those with Judas, Jesus states the reasons these events took place. The story seems to be much more about God's purpose than Judas' betrayal. In verse 56 Jesus says that all of this has happened so that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. At one point Jesus even asks rhetorically (v. 53), "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" He asks the question to show the disciples that they are not seeing or understanding the big picture.
The big picture is about what God planned to do and accomplished through Jesus. We know it as the gospel, but it is both for unbelievers and believers (Romans 1). I have found that the best way to deal with my own sin or the process of my sanctification is to re-preach to myself the gospel of Christ.
I am daily confronted with the reality that the Bible's main story line is not about me. It is not about my failures or even my sanctification. It is actually about Jesus. As believers, we must hold fast to this, the gospel (Colossians 1:23).
Don't get me wrong, it is healthy to reflect on our own life and what God is calling us to, but it must only be done with a clear understanding of the gospel.
Discussion Questions
1. When you spend time with the Lord, do you focus more on what you should or shouldn't be doing or on what God has done?2. What has God done through Jesus Christ and how does that impact God's view of you? What Scriptures affirm this?
3. Why does Paul preach the gospel to believers (Romans 1) and tell believers to hold fast to the gospel (Colossians 1:23)?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Was it necessary for Judas to bring the mob armed with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus? Why not?
2. Why didn’t Jesus ask for the angels to come and protect Him (see verses 53-54)?
3. Is there an area of your life in which you are scared or worried and you need to remember that God is in control?
Shannon Saunders
April 14, 2010 05:10 AM
Thank you for a thought provoking devotional this morning. Too many times I think its about me. Its not! thank you, shannon
Kay Wyma
April 14, 2010 06:40 AM
Kent - Great devo! I think you've hit the nail on the head. I often catch myself reading through the Old & New Testament with my mind either centered on how it affects me, or focusing on the people in the story. Instead, may my mind be anchored on the story behind the story ... from the garden to the victorious return - God's salvation provided through His Son. So, when I read about Abraham's dreadful journey to Mt Moriah as he obeys God's directive to sacrifice Isaac, may my mind go to the passage where we are reading now. God the Father and his Son, Jesus, making the trek to Golgatha where there will be no ram to provide a way around the ultimate sacrifice. Thanks, Kent for gently directing us to go beyond ourselves (while letting the Word convict us as needed) and focus on the bigger picture. Love it!
Catherine
April 14, 2010 07:10 AM
Boy, how I relate to being "chronically self-absorbed!" Thanks for your devo this morning and all that you do for our married ministry, Emily!
Brooke
April 14, 2010 08:20 AM
Wow, good stuff Kent. I think I miss the "point" of this verse a lot. Thanks for the reminder and the insight. Also, proud of you for being so bold as to continue to share what God has done and IS doing in your marriage with the lovely Emily. Great leadership man. Proud of you guys.
Ben Stites
April 14, 2010 09:09 AM
Great Stuff man and we sure miss you guys! It is great to hear from your bountiful wisdom. I really needed that reminder! It is important to reflect on the scriptures but with the understanding that it is not about what I am doing but more importantly what God has done.
Rob Thomas
April 14, 2010 09:16 AM
Thanks Kent... that was some good insight into that passage and I loved that you picked that verse toward the end as your main point. It was good for me to hear today... I know, I know... It's not about me! :)
Allison
April 14, 2010 10:57 PM
Ok, I get it. It IS about Jesus; not the sin in my life that I am battling. I think your message today helps me understand why my recent testimony at Connecting Point was so unclear! I did not speak clearly about what Jesus did...It is all about Him, not me! Thank you for your insight!