3.25.2018 Sermon Notes & Slides

Sermon Notes

Weapons of Violence Brandished with a Kiss
Matthew 26:47-56
Pastor John Sloan

Introduction: The guy who would hand over Jesus to be arrested and killed was not some distant stranger or political zealot, but a friend who walked with Jesus, heard his teaching, enjoyed countless meals with him, someone who was clearly in the inner circle. How would Jesus respond to such treachery (and what can we learn from his reaction)?

01.

02.

03.

Questions For Discussion & Discovery

1. Why does Matthew remind his readers that Judas was “one of the twelve” (verse 47)?

2. What was unusual about “the kiss” (verse 49)?

3. Why is betrayal one of the most difficult offenses to put behind us? How does the gospel help us to forgive?

4. How can Christ be tender and powerful at the same time? How is this encouraging to us?

5. Matthew tells us they “all left him and fled” (verse 56). What appears to prompt the disciples to abandon Christ? Do those same fears prevent you from identifying with Jesus?

6. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). How does this truth apply to this story of Jesus’ betrayal? How does this truth apply to our own lives?

Sermon Slides

1. The more intimate the relationship, the more despicable the betrayal.

2. Read Matthew 26:47-50.

3. “The Lord … even kissed his own traitor, and spoke words even softer than a kiss! For he did not say, ‘O abominable one … but [employs] an address that would be used by one who wished to call him back, rather than one in anger.” – Dionysius of Alexandria

4. Read verse Matthew 26:50.

5. 01. The scope of Christ’s love is revealed in his tenderness toward those who hurt him.

6. Read Matthew 26:50b-56a.

7. 02. The depth of Christ’s love is exposed in his willingness to die for his enemies.

8. “The Bible is not only christocentric; it is passio-christocentric, a Suffering-Christ- Centered Bible.” – Frederick Dale Bruner

“The meaning of all the Scriptures is unlocked by the death and resurrection of Jesus.” – Graeme Goldsworthy

10. Read Matthew 26:56b.

11. 03. The constancy of Christ’s love is seen in his faithfulness to flighty followers.