Weekly Sermons

How to Ruin Your Name — Matthew 26:1-25

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. - Proverbs 22:1

Today we are going to look at Judas Iscariot, who we should remember as one of the 12 apostles of Jesus who changed the world – instead, we look at a man who ruined his life, legacy, and name by turning away from Jesus.

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. - John 12:4-6

And as Judas closed His heart up to Jesus it got opened up to Satan’s influence, and he began thinking about how he might profit off of turning away from Jesus.

In Exodus 21:32, 30 pieces of silver was the valuation of a slave; it represented about 120 days worth of wages (2.5 times less than the value of the ointment Mary had anointed Jesus with).

Here we see something of great concern for us: Judas’ standing with his fellow disciples was so solid in their eyes that they could not believe that he was the betrayer despite Jesus giving him the bread.

Are there any imposters like Judas here today? Outwardly everyone thinks you are a Christian – but you have not been born again by renouncing self-rule and receiving Jesus – inside you still refuse to do what Jesus commands, even though you appear religious to others.

And I believe you can make a different choice as well. You can follow Jesus and His plan for you instead of the dictates of your own mind, heart, and will. Anything Jesus calls you to do will be more fulfilling in the long run than choosing your own way. That was certainly true for Judas. 

Judas’ sad end reminds us that regret and remorse over sin is not the same as repentance toward God and turning to Jesus in faith. Had Judas been a true disciple like Peter, he would have run back to his fellow disciples and back to Jesus.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. - 2 Cor. 7:10

And what do people think of when they think of your name?