Four Ways to End up Like Judas

John 13:18-30

No one drifts from Jesus all at once. It happens quietly through small compromises, hidden struggles, and hearts that slowly begin to hold things back. Jesus’ own disciples learned that proximity isn’t the same as surrender to Him. As we examine the small compromises and hidden patterns that lead hearts astray, we’re invited to look inward to examine what’s beneath the surface of our own lives. Because the same love that reached for Judas is still reaching for us.

*Pastor Luke listed four ways to end up like Judas:

• Love something more than Jesus and keep it hidden.
• Ignore conviction until your heart becomes calloused.
• Resist the love of Jesus.
• Feel remorse without repentance. 

1. Sometimes Jesus shows very strong emotion in the gospels. Read John 11:32-36; John 12:27-28; John 13:21; Hebrews 4:15 — What does this mean for us when we are grieving, scared, or hurting from betrayal?

2. Have you ever been surprised by someone who betrayed Jesus, the church, or their family? Did anything that was revealed in their life follow Judas’ pattern (see the Four Ways list)?

3. Read John 12:42-43 — Which of the four "Judas’ Ways" to do we see here?

       a. What could be possible outcomes of these believers' drifts?

4. Read Acts 4:32-5:10 — Judas was a practiced thief. Do you think this was a first-time offense for Ananias and Sapphira?

       a. Can you think of others in the Bible who became calloused?

5. Why do you think people resist the love of Jesus?

       a. Is there anyone in your life actively resisting Him?

6. Read Psalm 51, including the note preceding verse one. Did David feel remorse without repentance? What was the result?

7. Have you ever found yourself drifting? Which of the four "Judas' Ways" were the root causes?

       a. How did you stop it?