Sermon Notes April 3, 2011
Mark 14: 43-50
Intro: This morning, we will read one of the most famous, well
known paragraphs in the Bible. Even people who have never
read the Bible, know this story. It has so much raw power, moves people so deeply, it has been retold, recaste, reflected
over and over again in literature and art.
- Almost everyone knows this story
- Few have clearly understood and embraced its Truth.
Speaks to the Core of Christian Message
Mark 14: 43-50
Context = Jesus wakes up disciples in the darkness of Gethsemene, “The one who betrays me is here!”
Text (Note: vs. 49-50 == 14:27)
Betrayal Moves Us. A visceral reaction.
ILL – I first learned about betrayal when my sixth grade girl friend went to a movie at the Ki-He-Ka theater with a seventh grade boy… “She Done You Wrong!”
- Deep down we all know, “Betrayal Is WRONG!”
Betray = treachery, disloyalty, unfaithful to one who puts faith in us.
This story from the Gospels moves us because we have all experienced Betrayal and feel, deep down, just how WRONG it is!
t/s – What is the Point? How Does Betrayal contribute to the Gospel?
Judas’s Betrayal and the Desertion of the Disciples, speaks to the Gospel in two crucial ways….
Sin, Our Sin, Is Betrayal
Exp – Few of us deny our sin. Instead, we minimize it, make it
More understandable, acceptable…
ILL – “Sinful Pleasures” (candy display in gift shop)
ILL – Grandmother of rebellious four year old, “He is just awful!”
— and oh so cute!
The Character of Sin
a) Aiming at the Wrong Target (missing mark)
b) Crossing the Line/Boundary (transgression)
c) Rebellion against King (Americans embrace)
d) Treachery or Betrayal!
Sin is, at its bare essence, an act of unfaithfulness, disloyalty
Against the One who created and cares for me all my life!
Sin Is Relational (Against God! … Not rules)
- Subject’s rebellion against King
- Citizen’s violation against Lawmakers
- Child’s aggression against Parent
- Woman’s Unfaithfulness to Husband!
ILL – Hosea married an Adulterous Woman (made a fool of him)
Israel’s Sin is Like a Wife’s Adultery…. Betrayal!
App – God is your Creator, Provider, Faithful & Rightful King.
Your sin is not cute, an acceptable guilty pleasure…
Your Sin is Betrayal, Dessertion….WRONG!
(Should Burn in Your Belly like Betrayal)
Note: Mark sneaks up on us….With whom will I Identify
n Not Pharisees; not scribes; not Romans; Crowds
n I am like the Disciples… I like Jesus… with Him
n Would I Forsake, Betray….?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
Jesus Still Died for Us.
Exp – This paragraph clarifies some confusion about Jesus’ Death
- He did not die because the authorities ambushed Him.
- He did not die because Judas Tricked Him
- He did not die for His few Loyal Friends….
Betrayed and Forsaken…. ALL!
ILL – We sometimes develop this fantasy about the Cross
- Jesus was like a war hero who laid down his life for his friends who were in trouble!
- Helpless, vulnerable, weak…
What Jesus did was heroic, spectacular…. Understandable.
- Unfaithful, deserters….Enemies
Amazing Love! How can it be?
Romans 5: 6-8, 10
App – Only an Honest embrace of My Sin gives me an
Accurate appreciation for His Death!
Conclusion
Your sin is as Wrong as Betrayal; and, Jesus still died for you.
Beneath the cross of Jesus, Mine eyes at times see;
The very dying form of Him who suffered there for me.
And from my smitten heart, with tears, two wonders I confess;
The wonders of His glorious love and my unworthiness.
Prayer
Invitation
I don’t want you to waste another Easter going through the motions.
