Word from Wiese

Judas & Misguided and Forgiven

Judas & Misguided and Forgiven

Colorful Characters Lenten Journey, 2025

Discussion Guide #3

26 March 2025

Dear Faith Friend,

God’s blessings on the first full week of our Lenten journey. Please use the following as a personal devotional or a small group discussion guide.

If you are searching for a Color Crew discussion group, feel free to join those led by Pastor Fritz: Wednesdays at 7 PM in Conference Room after 6.30 devotional. Or Thursday via Zoom. ID: 889-1717-8375. Password:  color.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”  Matthew 18.20

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”  Romans 12.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Get Started!

Opening prayer: Thanks God for gathering us together for these fun and holy 30 minutes. We know our world can feel pretty gray at times. Thanks for helping us feel more colorful when your Spirit gathers us in your Word, promises, and people. Bless this devotional time together that our biblical character’s story might lend color and clarity to our own faith journey with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discuss:

  1. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. For fun with this first question, can you remember your first kiss?
  2. What is your definition of “betrayal”?
  3. In his sermon, Ethan Miller shared several motivations as to why Judas might have betrayed Jesus. Throughout the ages, here are some theories. Judas was . . . 1. Worried that if Jesus got more popular, the Jewish people would feel the wrath of Rome. 2. Hoping that Jesus’ arrest would propel the people in rising up against Rome with Jesus as a political Messiah. 3. Dismayed that Jesus didn’t care more about the poor and was willing to accept an expensive perfumed anointing from Mary. 4. Approached and tempted by a Jewish leader to cash in big-time by using his connection with Jesus. What do YOU think might have been behind Judas’ fateful decision?
  4. Was Judas predestined to betray Jesus? Or was it his choice?
  5. Can you remember a time when you felt betrayed? How did it feel? What do you think of the betrayer’s action or motivation?
  6. Do you think Jesus forgave Judas? Why or why not?
  7. Can you remember a time when you betrayed somebody? Can you remember what was going on in your mind or heart?
  8. How might Christians today betray Jesus? What is the most frequent motivation?
  9. Check out this testimony from Craig Coté about Judas and the potential on being both misguided and forgiven.
  10. In his video testimony, Craig Cote shares a story about how helping a friend with a long-term project took him away from his family to the extent he was worried he inadvertently betrayed them. What were your thoughts while listening to Craig’s story?
  11. Many wish that Judas had not taken his life in the depth of remorse. Upon his resurrection, do you think Jesus would have sought out Judas if he were still alive? Why or why not? What does this mean for our darkest hours? Have you ever heard the phrase: “Don’t make permanent decisions for temporary problems”?
  12. If time allows: Can betrayal happen accidentally? Or does it have to be intentional?
  13. Bonus question: What hasn’t been explored in this discussion that you would like to share?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thanks again for these holy moments, either by myself or with this small group of friends. When we betray you or one another, we plead for your forgiveness. Cure us of our foolish thoughts that we can see what you cannot. Help us trust that when we execute your mission for us, good things will happen. When our lives feel gray may you infuse them with an awareness of your colorful love and grace. Lead us this holy Lenten journey to your Son and his cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks everyone!

See you next week.