Family Group Night | April 13 2025

"Judas Iscariot: A So-Called Servant"

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1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. (John 12:1-6)

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Discover It

Judas Iscariot is one of the most tragic figures in all of Scripture. He walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles, and heard the very words of God spoken from the lips of the Savior. Outwardly, he looked like one of the disciples—but inwardly, he was far from Jesus. In John 12:1-6, we see Judas criticize Mary for pouring expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. He claimed to care about the poor, but in truth, he was stealing from the disciples’ money bag. This passage shows us that it’s possible to look like a servant of Jesus while having a heart that is selfish and dishonest. True faith is not about appearances; it’s about having a genuine love for Jesus that shows in our actions.

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Ask It

1. What did Mary do for Jesus in this passage? Why was it a big deal? How did Judas respond to Mary’s act of worship?

2. According to verse 6, what was Judas really like on the inside? How do you think it’s possible for someone to look like a servant of Jesus but not truly follow Him?

3. What are some ways we can make sure our faith is real and not just for show?

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Live It

1. Trust God with your heart. It’s more than just words and actions. Real faith leads to real love for Jesus, like Mary showed.

2. It’s possible to be close to the things of God and still far from Him if our hearts aren’t surrendered. So, ask the Lord to make you a true servant not just one who looks the part.

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Pray It

Dear Jesus, thank You for showing me what true devotion looks like. Help me not to be like Judas, who only pretended to care. Give me a heart like Mary—full of love, sacrifice, and worship. Show me when my actions do not match my words. Help my faith to be real and my love for You to be genuine every day. In Your name we pray, Amen.

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