Judas, the False Disciple
Luke 22:1-6; Matthew 7:15-23

Sermon Outline From The Evangelistic Evening Service -
20 February 2000

I. Jesus chose 12 disciples early in His ministry

A. He had a special purpose in choosing these men: to learn from Him, to help Him and to be His special witnesses.

1. These disciples heard all the teachings of Jesus
2. These disciples saw all the miracles that Jesus did.
3. These disciples helped Jesus in His ministry.

B. But one of these disciples was not real.

1. Did Jesus make a mistake in choosing Judas? No.
2. Did Jesus know that Judas was not a real follower? Yes.

II. Judas Betrays Jesus -- Luke 22:1-6

A. Greed was part of the reason he betrayed the Saviour.
B. He was a hypocrite.

1. Perhaps he was tired of the charade.
2. Maybe he was convicted by what Jesus said to the Pharisees.
3. Maybe he thought, "I'm not all that bad...."

C. Satan had a part in it -- the unseen partner in the betrayal.
Satan did not make Judas do something against his will. Judas did this knowingly and willingly.

III. Judas is like the false prophets Jesus warned about in Matt. 7:15-23

A. Appearances -- how a person appears to be and what he truly is "inside" may be completely different.

1. What he says -- their words may sound right. The danger is that one can be "Christianized" without becoming a Christian.
2. What he does -- the Bible says that Satan can do miracles to deceive people, so it is no surprise when a false prophet seems to fit in by what he does.

B. Fruit -- Jesus says that by their fruit you will know a true Christian. Remember Judas: a hypocrite can fool you....for a time.

Egg illustration

I want you to think about these things:
1. God knows exactly what kind of a person you are.
2. Don't be like Judas and reject the chance to believe in Jesus.
3. Judas would rather betray Jesus than have Jesus change him.