Lessons from the Life of Judas

Acts 1:15-26

Introduction

• Judas Iscariot is widely viewed as one of the most notorious villains in all of human history
• The story of Judas as passed down to us by Dr. Luke teaches us three important lessons

Lesson #1:  God’s Providence is Absolute (v. 16)

1.  All of the events surrounding the death of Messiah were predestined to occur from eternity past

• “the Scripture had to be fulfilled” (v. 16)
• Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan…of God.” (cf. Acts 2:23)
• Actions of Herod, Pilate, the Romans and the Jews were “predestined” (cf. Acts 4:27-28)
• Jesus called Judas the “son of perdition” (cf. Jn 17:12)

2.  God’s Absolute Providence is a comforting doctrine for believers when properly understood

• Enables us to face trials with joy and hope
• We rest secure in the wisdom and power of God

3.  There is an element of mystery and paradox in God’s will

• Some events which occur under the umbrella of God’s sovereign rule seem to contradict the revealed will of God in the Bible (ie. Judas’ betrayal, murder etc.)
• The world God chose to create is like a complex and beautiful work of art which must have both light and dark colours – St. Augustine

Lesson #2: Man is Fully Responsible for Sin (v. 18)

1.  Many attempts have been made in the past to mimimize Judas’ responsibility in the betrayal of Jesus

• ie. Gnostic ‘Gospel of Judas’
• Erroneous idea that Judas was the unsuspecting victim of a cruel dictator in heaven.

2.  Judas’ betrayal is described in v. 18 as an act of “wickedness”

3.  Judas was not coerced to betray Jesus against his will!

• His own lust and greed motivated him to betray the Lord and he is therefore responsible for his own sin
• We sin and disobey God because our desires are corrupt and distorted from birth (Original Sin)

4.  God is free to give or to withhold grace according to His will

• God gives “common grace” to non-believers to restrain the effects of Original Sin
• In the case of Judas, God chose to withhold grace and leave him to the natural effects of his sin nature and even demon possession!
• We are not in a position as fallible humans to make moral judgments on an infallible God (Rom 9:19-24)

Lesson #3: It is Possible to Blend in with the Sheep Without Truly Knowing the Shepherd (v. 17)

1.  Judas had every opportunity to embrace Jesus as Lord

2.  Judas shows us that it is possible to be religious but lost!!

3.  We are instructed in Scripture to examine ourselves for the evidence of a transformed heart and mind (cf. 2 Cor 13:5)

• Judas’ ‘repentance’ was a kind of worldly remorse that led to despair and eventually to suicide
• Peter’s repentance was genuine and led to peace with God and fruitful ministry in the Kingdom