Leave Behind After Your Death the Legacy of a Good Name
Updated: Oct 1
Rev. Tse Amable | September 30 2024 | John 18:1-11
KEY VERSE:
“NOW JUDAS, WHO BETRAYED HIM, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.” John 18:2 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
By way of introduction to a sermon, Pastor Charles Swindoll gave a quiz in which he asked his congregation to complete the description of some Bible characters whose names he mentioned. And so for Cain, the description was “THE MURDERER”; for Esau, the church answered “THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT FOR A PLATE OF PORRIDGE”; for Daniel, it was “THE MAN WHO WAS THROWN INTO THE LIONS’ DEN”. On and on, the quiz continued and when it came to Judas, the congregation echoed “THE BETRAYER OF JESUS CHRIST”.
How sad that a man in whom Jesus Christ saw the making of a powerful apostle destroyed his life and left behind him after his death the terrible legacy of “THE BETRAYER”. The first time we encountered Judas Iscariot in the gospel books was in Matthew chapter 10 when the writer of that book was introducing to us the 12 disciples who Jesus Christ after much prayer chose to be his apostles. In Matthew 10:1, we read “He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” and in verse 4, we read “.... and JUDAS ISCARIOT, WHO BETRAYED HIM”. St. Matthew added that tag to Judas Iscariot’s name because he wrote that gospel after the betrayal, arrest, crucifixion and death of the Messiah. That was how John also referred to Judas in our key verse today. He swapped his name “ISCARIOT” with this bad tag “WHO BETRAYED HIM”.
The name “JUDAS” is a very beautiful name. In Hebrew, it is “YEHUDAH” coming from the root word “YADAH” which means “PRAISE”. Another form of this name is JUDAH, the tribe of Israel which produced kings and ultimately Jesus Christ, the King of kings. Sadly, Judas Iscariot threw away his royalty and bequeathed to his family and friends the legacy of “THE BETRAYER”. This legacy was because of Judas Iscariot’s love for money – the 30 pieces of silver he was paid for betraying his Lord. In the end, he threw away the money and took his own life.
My dear friend, the Bible says “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). Choose to leave behind you after you are dead and gone the legacy of a good name such as “THE RIGHTEOUS” instead of wealth with a bad name.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What is the name your family members, friends and colleagues at work call you as a result of the life you are living which does not glorify the Lord and give you a positive testimony? If you should die today, what will you be remembered for? Will you be satisfied with that legacy?
PRAYER: Jesus, I give you my heart and soul. Deliver me from any action or decision which will make it impossible to leave the legacy of a good name after I am dead. Let my end bring glory and honour to you. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: BETRAYED The Greek word for "betrayed" is paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι), meaning to hand over, deliver, or betray. It suggests an act of treachery or abandonment, especially in the context of trust.
In John 18:2, "betrayed" refers to Judas handing over Jesus to the authorities. This act of betrayal defines Judas' legacy. Though he once walked with Jesus, his choice to betray his Lord sealed how he would be remembered throughout history.
The word "betrayed" shows how our decisions can define our legacy. Judas’ legacy became synonymous with betrayal, teaching us that our actions today shape how we are remembered. In contrast, believers are called to leave behind a legacy of faithfulness, integrity, and a good name, reflecting Christ’s values.
Reflections: How do your actions today contribute to the legacy you will leave behind? Are you building a legacy that reflects faithfulness, integrity, and the values of Christ, or are there areas where your legacy might be compromised?
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