April 01, 2026

Judas: The Slow Drift to Betrayal | EVERYDAY DISCIPLE - Week 3

33 minutes

In the week leading up to Easter, we continue our Everyday Disciple series by looking at one of the most infamous names in human history: Judas Iscariot. We often imagine Judas as a visible villain, but the reality is much more unsettling. Judas didn't look like a traitor; he was the trusted treasurer, the straight-laced disciple, and the one the others likely pointed to as a model of stability.

In this message, Executive Pastor Matt Piland explores the "slow drift" of Judas. No one—not even Judas himself—starts their journey with Jesus intending to end it in betrayal. Yet, through small compromises, unchecked greed, and a heart that was "near" Jesus but not "with" Him, Judas committed the ultimate crime. Discover how to identify the signs of drifting in your own life and why the greatest sin isn't an act of failure, but a failure to repent.

💡 Key Takeaways:

The Myth of the Monster: Judas didn't wear a black robe; he was highly respected by the other disciples. Sin is often camouflaged by outward "righteousness" and religious activity.

The Smokescreen of Moral Outrage: Judas was loudest about "caring for the poor" while quietly stealing from the money bag. We are often most offended by others' sins in the areas where we are quietly drifting ourselves.

The Anatomy of the Drift: Drifting doesn't happen in a moment; it happens in a thousand small steps. Unchecked sin eventually leads to a hardened heart and a distorted view of God.

Remorse vs. Repentance: Both Peter and Judas failed Jesus. Judas felt remorse and ran from Jesus; Peter felt repentance and ran to Jesus. One believed his guilt was bigger than God’s grace; the other believed God’s grace was bigger than his guilt.

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: "Everyday Disciple" Bumper

01:24 – Review: Peter’s Regret and Thomas’s Doubt

02:58 – The Infamy of Judas: Dante’s Inferno and the 9th Circle

04:13 – Matthew 26: The 30 pieces of silver and the kiss

07:45 – The "Trusted" Disciple: Why no one saw the betrayal coming

09:45 – The Treasurer: Why Judas looked more stable than Peter

13:15 – Like Judas, We All Can Drift

15:00 – Mary and Martha (What Judas Thought) in John 12:4-6

17:08 – The Progression of Sin: How the "Slow Drift" works

21:54 – Hebrews 3: Why we need others to yell when we drift

22:47 – The Problem With Unchecked Sin

24:55 – The Problem for Many of Us: We Think We Can Control Sin but We Can’t

27:15 – Jesus Offering Judas a Chance to Repent

31:01 – Peter vs. Judas: Two paths after the fall (Remorse vs. Repentance)

31:50 – A Moment for Confession: Preparing for Holy Week

✝️ Key Scriptures:

Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50

Matthew 27:3-5

Acts 1:18

John 13:21-29; 12:4-6

Luke 9:1-2

Hebrews 3:12-13

1 John 1:9

We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, led by Pastor Jason Britt and based in Bethlehem, GA.

🔗 Connect With Us:

First Time? We'd love to connect with you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192 to fill out our Connection Card!

Salvation: If you realize you’ve been drifting and you want to anchor your life back in Christ before Easter, we want to walk with you. If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please text INCHRIST to 97000.

Baptism: If you’re ready to go public with your faith, click here! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457

Prayer: Let us stand with you in your doubts. https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/

Give Online: Support the mission at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to join us for our Easter services!

🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:

Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/

Instagram: @bethlehem_churchga

#EverydayDisciple #BethlehemChurch #MattPiland #Judas #HolyWeek #Easter2026 #SlowDrift #Repentance #Grace #ChristianLiving #ChurchOnline

...more

View all episodes

By Bethlehem Church

4.9

8282 ratings