Jesus Final Week – Friday (Tried by a Phony Friend)

We are closing in on the final hours of Jesus’ physical life.  We have witnessed His trial in the garden as He wrestles with sorrow.  His struggle is very real and His solution is discovered within a heart of submission to the Father’ will.  The first trial.

Next, we find Jesus being tried by a crowd of people.  Some of that crowd were Roman soldiers, given to Judas for the task of arresting the Christ.  Others in the crowd were Jewish and intent upon their goal of seeing Him killed.   The crowd tries Jesus with attitudes and actions identifiable as:  wicked, mindless, cowardly, and profane filled.  Jesus endures all they level against Him.  The second trial.

This lesson looks at the third trial which stems from a phony friend – Judas.  We will look at the deeper meaning of the kiss of Judas, what it reveals about his mindset and how it all applies to our lives today.

This lesson concludes with a strong appeal toward self introspection.  A challenge to evaluate one’s own level of affection for Jesus.  For like Judas, faking affection and fondness for the Christ is a trial for today’s followers.  Too often believers evaluate their level of love for the Christ by considering what they are “doing” for and because of Him.  But are actions an accurate barometer of one’s affection?   Are you are ready to take an honest look at the actual level of affection you have toward the Christ?

Click the play button below to begin this study.

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