WHEN A FRIEND BETRAYS YOU

The Gospel of Mark #46

Pastor Dennis Clanton

Woodland Church

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

(Mark 14:10–11, NLT) “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.”

A.  How Satan uses religion.

1.  Religion can be used by the devil.

(Luke 22:3, NLT) “Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples,”

• Religious profession is not enough.
• Religious knowledge is not enough.
• Religious position is not enough.
• Religious ritual is not enough.
• Religious service is not enough.
• Religious affiliation is not enough.
• Religious experience is not enough.

2.  Religion can be used for selfishness.

(Luke 16:14, NLT) “The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him.”

(John 12:6, NLT) “Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.”

(Luke 20:46, NLT) “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.”

B.  How should I respond to this?

1.  Recognize the breadth of sin.

“Dear sirs, I am. Signed, G.K. Chesterton.”

(Galatians 3:22, NLT) “But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.”

2.  Examine my heart.

(Mark 14:18, NLT) “As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.”

3.  Go and sin no more.

(John 8:11, NKJV) “She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

(Mark 14:3, NLT) “A woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.”

C.  If you want to have a solid relationship with Jesus

(Mark 14:27–28, NLT) “Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

1.  Jesus will never let you down.

(Mark 14:28, NLT) “After I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

2.  You will let Jesus down.

(Mark 14:29, NLT) Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.”

GROWTHWORK

Lessons from Jesus

1.  Don’t raise your voice.

(Proverbs 15:1, NLT) “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”

2.  Breathe.

(Ecclesiastes 10:4, NLT) “A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.”

3.  Listen.

(James 1:19, NLT) “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angr

4.  Try to understand more than you want to be understood.

(Proverbs 18:13, PT) “Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.”

5.  Pray for self-understanding.

(Psalm 139:23–24, NLT) “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

6.  Think carefully and be thoughtful in what you say.

(Proverbs 12:18, NLT) “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”

(Ephesians 4:29, GN) “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.”