Zechariah 11:12
Chuck Smith's sermon on Zechariah 11:12 explores the profound implications of Judas' betrayal and God's immense love for humanity.
Chuck Smith explores the profound implications of Zechariah 11:12, emphasizing that the crucifixion of Jesus was a divine plan foretold centuries in advance. He highlights Judas's betrayal for thirty pieces of silver, illustrating the stark contrast between how man values God and how God values humanity. Smith challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and the 'price' they may have accepted in exchange for their relationship with Jesus, urging them to recognize the immense worth God places on each individual. The sermon serves as a reminder of the love God has for humanity and the tragic folly of undervaluing that relationship.
Text
"WHAT'S YOUR PRICE?"
I. THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS WAS NO FLUKE.
A. It was planned by God.
1. God gave details of the event hundreds of years in
advance.
2. Dr. Schonfield's book, "The Passover Plot".
3. Here in Zechariah we are told the price Judas would be
paid to betray Him, and what would subsequently be done
with the money.
a. Read Matt. 26:14-16; 27:3-8.
b. This is the price one man was willing to take
to sell out his relationship to Jesus.
c. Under the law, this was the price of a gored
slave.
4. Details told here in Zechariah.
a. The price would be thirty pieces of silver.
b. The money would be cast down in the house of
the Lord.
c. The money would be used to buy a potter's
field.
B. If the crucifixion was all a part of God's plan, purpose did
God have?
1. God sought to show man how much He loved him.
a. "For God so loved the world..."
b. "Herein is love, not that we love... "
c. "For God has manifested His love."
d. "Greater love..."
2. God was showing the value He places on you.
a. The most valuable thing you possess is your
life.
1. Satan, who is an expert on human
motivations, said: "Skin for skin, all
a man has will he give for his life."
2. Jesus was willing to give His life in
His prime in order to redeem you.
II. THE GREAT PARADOX.
A. Man placed such a small value on God.
1. He was willing to sell out for 30 pieces of silver.
2. That's all God was worth to Him.
3. Judas was the first of a long line who have sought to
profit from their relationship to Jesus.
B. God places the value of man greater than any material
possession.
1. More than all the silver in the world.
2. Man puts such a low value on God, while God puts such
a high value on man.
III. THE ACT OF JUDAS HELD IN CONTEMPT, HIS NAME HAS BECOME A BYWORD FOR
MEAN, CONTEMPTIBLE, HEARTLESS PEOPLE. "HE'S A JUDAS" IS ABOUT AS BAD
A THING YOU CAN SAY OF A PERSON.
A. Why the contempt?
1. Because of the low price?
2. Would we admire him if it were 30 million pieces of
silver?
3. People often admire the godless rich today.
4. Because he betrayed his Lord.
B. Some of you are as Judas, you have sold out your relationship
to Jesus.
1. How much did you get? What was your price?
a. An illicit affair? Tell me, is it worth it?
Better yet...
b. Dishonest dealings? You've maybe gone far
beyond the 30 pieces. You may have enough.
c. The euphoric highs of drugs or alcohol?
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''It was planned by God.'', ''B'': ''If the crucifixion was all a part of God''s plan, what purpose did God have?''}' - THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS WAS NO FLUKE
- II points: - '{''A'': ''Man placed such a small value on God.'', ''B'': ''God places the value of man greater than any material possession.''}' - THE GREAT PARADOX
- III points: - '{''A'': ''Why the contempt?'', ''B'': ''Some of you are as Judas, you have sold out your relationship to Jesus.''}' - THE ACT OF JUDAS HELD IN CONTEMPT
Key Quotes
“For God so loved the world...” — Chuck Smith
“Skin for skin, all a man has will he give for his life.” — Chuck Smith
“How much did you get? What was your price?” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Reflect on what you value most in your life and whether it aligns with God's perspective.
- Consider the cost of your choices and how they impact your relationship with Jesus.
- Strive to place a higher value on your relationship with God than on material possessions.