Udas Knew That Place

Summary of sermon by Rev Erlo Stegen

Joh 18:2-11 "And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?" They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.

Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground.

Then He asked them again, "Whom are you seeking?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way," that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, "Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none."

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?"

Judas knew exactly where the Lord would be, for they had been there many times. Jesus has helped, taught and prayed with the disciples there. This was the place where the Lord and the disciples went to be strengthened. Judas had been with the disciples - now we find him with another group.

Delilah wanted to rob Samson of his strength. She wanted to find his weakness. She used her emotions and her crying (as women do) to undermine the strength of her man. Women often object to the authority of the husband and do anything to sit on his head and control him. If you work on a man's weakness you are a Judas.

The Lord knew Judas would come and that He would be captured but He didn't run or hide. When they wanted to crown Him king He escaped in the crowd but now He willingly offered Himself for our sake. Does Easter mean anything to you? He was willing to be whipped with thongs with flesh-ripping metal tips...for you.

Judas brought a whole regiment with him - his new group. They called him Jesus of Nazareth as a derogatory term. Jesus revealed Himself to them by using His real name "I am" and still they continued in their plan. Judas was hard-hearted. Even when they saw Jesus heal the servant of the high-priest when Peter had cut off his ear, Judas and those with him did not believe in the Lord and realise they were on the wrong mission. Jesus gave them time to repent but they were hard. Likewise the high priest must have heard about this incident but continued in his plan to kill Jesus.

It is surprising that Peter used his sword as Jesus had said, "take Me and let them go their way". Also, afterwards the disciples ran and hid in a locked room. We so easily forget the promises of God.

Those who live by the sword, die by the sword. What you reap, you will sow.

Jesus was willing to be bound so that we could be unbound. What binds you? Porn? DVD's? It's a shame if you are still entangled by sin. You say you are saved. From what? Do you still dance and wear tight or see-through clothing and have boyfriends and girlfriends in your church? You should respect Jesus more. You're not saved! You can't see the height, depth and breadth of the great "I am".