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The Murder of Jesus #1Good Questions: these lesson have groups talkingwww.joshhunt.com |
1. While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 26:48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 26:49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. 26:50 Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. Matthew 26:47-50 (NIV)
2. We have been watching the TV show 24 recently and there are several shocking revelations of moles that get us in touch with this feeling.
3. One of our problems in understanding Scripture is we know too much. The first time we are introduced to Judas we know the end of the story. The name Judas is virtually a synonym for traitor. But, as the story unfolded in real time, I think the revelation of Judas as a traitor was as shocking as any movie you have ever seen with a shocking twist of a mole.
4. If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. 55:13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 55:14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. Psalms 55:12-14 (NIV)
5. Absalom comes to mind. Adam Clark's commentary says this is likely referring to Ahithophel.
6. ABSALOM (ab' ssuh luhm) Personal name meaning, "father of peace." See Abishalom. Third son of King David, who rebelled against his father and was murdered by Joab, David's commander (2 Sam. 3:3; 13-19). Absalom apparently resented being ignored by his father and resented his brother Ammon going unpunished for raping Tamar, Absalom's full sister. Being overindulged and ambitious, Absalom became the spokesman for the people (2 Sam. 15:1-6). They, in turn, gladly proclaimed him king in Hebron (15:10), where David was first crowned (2:4). Battle ensued. David left Jerusalem and sent his army to find Absalom but not to hurt him (15:5), but Joab murdered him (15:14). David's lament over Absalom shows the depth of a father's love over the loss of a son as well as regret for personal failures which led to family and national tragedies.--Holman Bible Dictionary
7. The best lessons are personal. If you have someone who can tell a touching story of how their child hurt them, it will get us in touch with how David felt. The goal of the lesson is to better appreciate what it felt like for Jesus to be betrayed by an insider.
8. We don't know, but asking the question makes the crowd more real in our mind.
9. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? Matthew 26:53 (NIV)
10. When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 27:4 "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5 (NIV)
11. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." Matthew 26:24 (NIV)
12. Proximity does not necessarily cause belief.
13. One of the things that makes divorce painful is that it is a betrayal by a friend. You may have some stories like this in your group.
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