RUSSELL SANDERS
5-24-2021
JUDAS ISCARIOT – KLESSON 6
MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR BETRAYAL
Let us review the factors that would cause Judas Iscariot to “sell out” his master.
First of all, he was the “odd man out” as the only non-Galilean in the group. Next, his love of money had led him to be a thief, stealing from the group’s money bag as its keeper, so he was likely carrying a burden of guilt feelings.
Next, at the dinner in Bethany on Jesus’ passion week, Judas was very upset that Mary had wasted all that expensive spikenard ointment on anointing Jesus. He saw it as money wasted, perhaps even less money available from which to steal.
Furthermore, this dinner was at Judas’ father’s house and Jesus had caused great embarrassment to both Judas’ father Simon and to Judas when Jesus openly reprimanded Simon “the leper” Iscariot in his own home.
That may have been “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” It was later that same week that Judas went to see the chief priests of the temple.
By this time, it had become abundantly clear to Judas that Jesus was not the Messiah that he and others had expected. Jesus was not going to form an army to overthrow Roman rule. He was not going to establish an earthly throne in Jerusalem for a free and independent Israel. The temple leaders were already conspiring on how to kill this so-called Messiah. Furthermore, Jesus was already giving hints about His impending death.
Did Judas think that if the temple guards came to arrest Jesus that the Master would change course by fighting back? Maybe he would actually try to take the kingdom? Judas may or may not have thought that, but I do not believe that was his real motive.
Judas and his father Simon the leper had been insulted and embarrassed in their own home. That surely had to sting deeply. Revenge was perhaps a significant factor. Furthermore, Judas was already carrying the burdensome guilt of thievery. He was feeling quite disaffected from the group.
With these conflicted feelings, coupled with his lust for money, he began to wonder what the temple rulers might give him to turn over Jesus to them.
Tomorrow we will look at how Judas responded to all of his internal conflicts. Folks, all these factors built up little by little in Judas. He did not just “suddenly” come to this point.
We also have a natural tendency to let the little things build up within us. That is unhealthy. We need to deal with things to resolve them as they occur. Letting them build up only leads us to bad consequences or poor choices. It can build stress which also is harmful to our physical health resulting in illness or disease. It can also affect our emotional health.
If there are any unresolved matters, take time now and make the effort to deal with them. If you struggle with it, pray about it. Jesus loves you and will help you with it. This is why He sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to us from our Heavenly Father.
Yes, Holy spirit is called Comforter for a reason. He is also our counsellor. He will lead you into the peace that only comes through Jesus. (John 14:27.)
