What We Must Remember When Dealing With The World '“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 There are bigger players in the game. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. Luke 22:3-4 We are not fighting against the people of the world. We are fighting the devil. But, they are unwilling participants. They are motivated by flesh. Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:14-16 The world looks out for number 1. Our motivation is the Kingdom, their motivation is their kingdom. They will betray us to our face.  While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Matthew 26:47-49 We should not be surprised that the world hates us, they hated Jesus. Church is not something the world cares about, we are fighting an uphill battle. Jesus gave his biggest enemy a seat at the table. After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” John 13:21-27 Jesus allowed Judas to sit through the whole meal that he had prepared knowing he had a plan to betray him. This would be like you preparing a big meal for family and friends and allowing your worst enemy to sit and enjoy the entire meal. Those that are far from God will never come to Jesus, if they are not given a seat at the table. What happens if we do not reach them? Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5 Even Jesus could not reach everyone.  Their path is to destruction. They will never find God if we do not love them. Jesus' love for Judas is what made him see his sin.  _________________________________ Have you made a commitment to follow Jesus?  Decision Form Read the Bible with us, July Reading Plan