Wrong ... For All The Right Reasons
Preaching
Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
And 149 Other Sermon Ideas
Purpose Statement: Occasionally, we are wrong, even when we believe we are right. This is due to ignorance.
Each of us could recall times we were wrong when we thought we were right. We believed our reasons were accurate. It is also possible to be right when we think we are wrong.
a. Get all the facts. An unusual example is the classic betrayal in Luke 22:1-6, 47-53. Judas has been portrayed as a heinous traitor of the worst kind. There is no question he was wrong. Perhaps, however, under careful scrutiny we may have a more tolerant view of Judas and his motives. There is a theory that Judas' purpose was more altruistic or righteous than he is given credit for. Some say Judas was a zealot who believed Jesus to truly be the Messiah and betrayed him in order that he would be forced to use his powers in resistance and "bring in the kingdom." Far-fetched, you say? The evidence gives some credence to the theory. How could Judas work with Jesus so long and not be won over? The betrayal money was insignificant; he ended up throwing it away. Why did he kiss Jesus when he could have just pointed to him? Why did he hang himself? Was it because the plan, of Jesus being forced to use his powers to protect himself and reveal his Messiahship, failed? Was Judas not so bad after all, just wrong for all the right reasons? Immediately, one of the disciples uses a sword to attack the attackers, and Jesus has to stop him. Again, is this someone who was wrong for the right reasons?
b. There is some good in all persons. Judas could be an example of how there is some good in all persons. We tend to label a person who has done a sinful thing as a bad person. And Jesus reminds us continually, "Let the person who has not sinned throw the first stone."
c. This makes us more cautious and tolerant. The lesson is: Be careful not to be too quick to judge and act. It should also make us a little more humble, ourselves. Think of the innocent persons we have executed by capital punishment.
Each of us could recall times we were wrong when we thought we were right. We believed our reasons were accurate. It is also possible to be right when we think we are wrong.
a. Get all the facts. An unusual example is the classic betrayal in Luke 22:1-6, 47-53. Judas has been portrayed as a heinous traitor of the worst kind. There is no question he was wrong. Perhaps, however, under careful scrutiny we may have a more tolerant view of Judas and his motives. There is a theory that Judas' purpose was more altruistic or righteous than he is given credit for. Some say Judas was a zealot who believed Jesus to truly be the Messiah and betrayed him in order that he would be forced to use his powers in resistance and "bring in the kingdom." Far-fetched, you say? The evidence gives some credence to the theory. How could Judas work with Jesus so long and not be won over? The betrayal money was insignificant; he ended up throwing it away. Why did he kiss Jesus when he could have just pointed to him? Why did he hang himself? Was it because the plan, of Jesus being forced to use his powers to protect himself and reveal his Messiahship, failed? Was Judas not so bad after all, just wrong for all the right reasons? Immediately, one of the disciples uses a sword to attack the attackers, and Jesus has to stop him. Again, is this someone who was wrong for the right reasons?
b. There is some good in all persons. Judas could be an example of how there is some good in all persons. We tend to label a person who has done a sinful thing as a bad person. And Jesus reminds us continually, "Let the person who has not sinned throw the first stone."
c. This makes us more cautious and tolerant. The lesson is: Be careful not to be too quick to judge and act. It should also make us a little more humble, ourselves. Think of the innocent persons we have executed by capital punishment.
