(Archive of other audio sermons)
(Archive of other audio songs)

(no audio)

Saturday 19 April 2003, 11:00 - "Judas Iscariot"

(Summary of sermon by Erlo Stegen)

Acts 1:15 - 20

• The name Judas means "the one who praises Jehovah" or "Jehovah's praise singer". It is shocking that a person with such a wonderful name committed such a grave deed. He was counted amongst the twelve apostles and had the exalted position of being the treasurer. Only someone with integrity and who is seen as faithful will be entrusted with an organisation's money. We don't know if he had this problem of thieving before, but it could be that it was not the case. This should be a serious warning to each one of us, lest we turn from our first love.
• Judas heard Jesus preaching over and over again, yet he hardened his heart. Jesus gave him many chances to repent, but he did not make use of them. Jesus warned him that one cannot serve God and mammon. When Jesus washed their feet, he warned that they were not all clean, but Judas ignored the warning. At another time Jesus warned his disciples that although He chose them, one of them was a devil. Even this was a call to repentance, for Jesus called Peter also a devil when he sided with satan, yet Peter repented and found grace. If you identify with satan, Jesus calls you a devil. If you take things that do not belong to you, you are a thief, and if you think immoral thoughts, you are an immoral person in God's eyes. Search your life and acknowledge in truth your condition, that you might find grace. Some might even excuse themselves by saying that it is just human to sin. No, if you've met with Jesus, your life will change. Jesus came to save you from your sin, not that you stay your sin.
• Judas drifted gradually from Jesus. His cunning deceived even the other disciples. As time passed, his sin grew and eventually he withstood Jesus openly when Mary anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. This praise singer of Jehovah became the hero of hell.
• This money Judas loved so much became like a burning fire in his bosom, after he betrayed Jesus. His conscience that was dead up till now pricked him deeply. He had no rest, but instead of going to Jesus or his disciples for help, he went to his conspiracy friends who could not help him. Eventually he could bear all the accusations of his conscience no longer, and went and hanged himself. In the same way will anything you love more than the Lord Jesus, become the very thing of your torment.
• Jesus treated Judas with love and friendship until the end. Even when he betrayed Him with a kiss, He still called him friend. Some even interpret Jesus' words, "What you want to do, do it quickly", as another act of grace from Jesus to let him choose whether he will repent and stay with Jesus or side with Satan. May this time be the time for you to choose for or against Jesus.