November 17. The Traitor!
J.R. Miller warns that the betrayal of Jesus by Judas serves as a solemn reminder to guard against the gradual growth of evil in the heart.
In this biographical sermon, J.R. Miller explores the tragic story of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. He highlights the gradual descent of Judas into sin, emphasizing the spiritual danger of allowing small evils to grow unchecked in the heart. Through vivid imagery and biblical narrative, Miller calls listeners to vigilance and self-examination to avoid the same fate.
Text
"Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons!" John 18:2-3
Every new line in the story of the betrayal, shows new blackness in the heart of Judas. Going out from the supper-table, he hastened to the priests, and was quickly under way with his band of soldiers. He probably first hurried back to the upper room, where he had left Jesus; not finding Him there, he knew well where the Master had gone, and hastened to the sacred place of prayer. Then the manner in which he let the officers know which of the company was Jesus, shows the deepest blackness of all: he went up to Him as to a dear friend, and kissed Him — kissed Him over and over, and with feigned warmth and affection.
Let us remember how the treason grew in the heart of Judas, beginning in greed for money, growing into theft and falseness of life, and ending at last in the blackest crime the world ever saw! The lesson is, that we should watch the beginnings of evil in our hearts.
A picture in the royal gallery of Brussels represents Judas wandering about on the night after the betrayal. He comes by chance upon the workmen who have been making the cross on which Christ shall be crucified tomorrow. A fire near by throws its light full on the faces of the workmen, who are sleeping peacefully while resting from their labor. Judas\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Judas's familiarity with Jesus' meeting places
- The approach of Judas with soldiers and officials
- The significance of Judas's kiss of betrayal
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II
- The gradual growth of evil in Judas's heart
- From greed to theft to ultimate betrayal
- The blackness of Judas's final act
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III
- The lesson to watch the beginnings of evil within
- The importance of guarding the heart
- Reflection on Judas’s fate as a warning
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IV
- The image of Judas wandering after the betrayal
- The peacefulness of the workmen making the cross
- The contrast between Judas’s turmoil and their rest
Key Quotes
“Every new line in the story of the betrayal, shows new blackness in the heart of Judas.” — J.R. Miller
“He went up to Him as to a dear friend, and kissed Him — kissed Him over and over, and with feigned warmth and affection.” — J.R. Miller
“The lesson is, that we should watch the beginnings of evil in our hearts.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Be vigilant in recognizing and addressing small sins before they grow.
- Guard your heart against greed and falseness that can lead to greater wrongdoing.
- Reflect regularly on your relationship with Jesus to avoid hypocrisy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Judas and what did he do?
Judas was one of Jesus' disciples who betrayed Him to the chief priests and soldiers, leading to Jesus' arrest.
What motivated Judas to betray Jesus?
Judas's betrayal grew from greed for money, leading to theft, falseness, and ultimately the act of betrayal.
What is the main spiritual lesson from Judas's story?
The story teaches the importance of watching the beginnings of evil in our hearts before it grows into greater sin.
How does the sermon describe Judas's betrayal?
The betrayal is described as the blackest crime, marked by Judas's feigned affection through repeated kisses.
What imagery is used to depict Judas after the betrayal?
Judas is pictured wandering at night by the workmen making the cross, highlighting his inner turmoil contrasted with their peaceful rest.