Moving Forward- Digging Deeper: April 21, 2021

Read Matthew 26: 20-25. Was Jesus aware of Judas’ secret plan? (vs. 20-21). When did Judas know that Jesus knew that it was him? (vs. 23-25). Knowing that Judas would hand Him over to the religious leaders how did Jesus treat Judas? (John 13:2-5). Realizing that the reason for feet washing is to show humility and servanthood, why is it significant that Jesus washed everyone’s feet, including the betrayer? Just as Jesus did not turn away from him or disown him, so He does not turn away from you. Today, in humility bow your knee before God.

Moving Forward- Digging Deeper: April 20, 2021

Read Matthew 26:15. How much is a betrayal of God worth? How much did Judas receive? From whom did he receive it? Ponder that for a moment. The religious leaders gave Judas ‘blood money’ to betray the Lord our God. Why do you think they did this? (see John 12:10-11; Matthew 13:13). Pride is a dangerous thing. One commentator says that the 30 pieces of silver would be a little over $200 today; but in Jesus’ day, it was the cost of a slave. What does that tell you about their estimation of Messiah? This was an insulting number. Spend time today thinking about the worth of Jesus to you. Pray to Him about that.

Moving Forward- Digging Deeper: April 19, 2021

(Read: Matthew 26:6-16) The story of the betrayal of Jesus and death of Judas the betrayer is retold in Acts 1. In Matthew 21 a huge throng of people lined the streets that Jesus and the disciples travelled, on the triumphant entry on Palm Sunday. Some of them spread their cloaks on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread those on the road. The people shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” What did Judas think Jesus was doing riding in on a donkey? Judas was a zealot meaning he was looking for the overthrowing of the Romans and freeing the Jews from bondage. What was he hoping for? In Matthew 26:6-13 why did Judas decide to betray Jesus? What was Jesus predicting? Why would talk of His death disturb Judas? [Remember, he was an insurrectionist wanting to see the Roman government overthrown]. What did Jesus tell all His disciples? 26:12). What did Judas do in anger? (vs. 14-16). Today consider your heart attitude about Jesus. Is there any cultural view that you have that does not match the Truth about Jesus?