An Awkward and Incomplete Faith - Part One - A Sermon in Outline Format

An Awkward and Incomplete Faith

Matthew 26:1-5; 14-16; 31-35

Introduction

v These three passages in the 26^th chapter of the gospel of Matthew reflect three different types of faith.

v In verses 1-5, the chief priests and the elders gather at the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest that year, to plot the murder of Jesus.  They resolve that they are fulfilling the will of God.  Elsewhere, they reason that it is better that one man die than the whole nation be harmed.

v In the second passage, verses 14-16, Judas Iscariot volunteers himself, as the vessel through which the murder plot of the religious leaders would be accomplished.  For thirty pieces of silver, he betrays Jesus.  Judas reasons that his actions do not equate with betrayal rather they are a catalyst which will in turn ignite the revolution that will overthrow Rome and the religious leaders.

v In the final section, verses 31-35, Peter and all the other disciples insist that they would never deny Christ come what may.  In fact, they say, “Even if [we] have to die with you, [we] will never disown you.”  At the time of those adamant remarks, they really believed that they were 100% committed to the cause of Christ.

v Yet, all three examples demonstrate an awkward and incomplete faith.

v Faith that says murder is acceptable.

v Faith that says betrayal is appropriate.

v Faith that results in denial despite vociferous pledges to the contrary.

v Holy Week presents the opportunity for all of us to examine the nature and character of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

v Do we believe the message to the point of death?

v Will we plot against the truth of the gospel if the world offers us something we find more appealing?

v Will we betray the Lord for the gain of fame and fortune?

v Will we deny Him in pursuit of our own selfish ambitions and achievements?

  

Body

Matthew 26:1-5 – The Chief Priests and Elders of the People

v “They plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him.”

v This is “A Righteous Murder Plot”

v It is inexplicable!

v Yet, the room is full of religiously devout people

v Probably had commendable records of observance of the Law and the Prophets

v They were faithful in their duties to God and the people

v Yet, the human motives of greed, power, lust and self preservation took control

v Their religiosity was not strong enough to nullify this evil.

v Instead, they used it as a vehicle with which to sanction their ungodly actions.

v They possessed an awkward and incomplete faith.

v The dross of sin and selfishness had not been burned away.

  

Matthew 26:14-16 – The Betrayal of Judas Iscariot

v “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”

v They counted out for him thirty silver coins.

v Judas did not ask for a position or title with the priesthood or the Roman government.

v He took the money as an investment for himself in the new government that he assumed that Christ would inaugurate.

v Judas believed the arrest would precipitate the military revolution.

v You will recall his disgust about the waste of the alabaster jar of perfume that was worth a year’s wages.

v Judas thought the money should be given to the poor.

v Judas handled the treasury for the Lord and His disciples.

v Personally, Judas liked money and may have even loved money.

v He certainly had ulterior motives about what the religion of Jesus should accomplish.

v His vision was that of power, prestige, finance and military might not love, peace, sacrifice, mercy and patience.

v Judas had an awkward and incomplete faith.