Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we continue our new sermon series, “From Both Sides of the Table,” we will consider the most notorious bad guy of all time, the villain whose name is defined in the dictionary as “one who betrays under the guise of friendship”: JUDAS.

Throughout the ages, Christian tradition has characterized Judas as evil, bad, and wrong – everything we don’t want to be. As such, it makes us easy to demonize him, and everyone we consider to be like him. This Sunday, we will take a closer look at Judas’ scriptural story, focusing particularly on John 13:1-2, 21-30 (CEB), to consider whether or not there might be a different side to Judas. 

I’m excited to share that T.C. Miller, one of Trinity’s delegates to Annual Conference and the long-time teacher of the Rooted Sunday School Class, will be my conversation partner for this message. T.C. and I share many things – we are both around the same age, attended a United Methodist college, are married, and have children. However, our careers, life experiences, and thought processes are very different, resulting in us looking at Judas from completely different angles. Without doubt, our conversation promises to be a compelling one!

Just as Pastor Dedric and Becca did, T.C. and I will guide our discussion using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. This approach roots our exploration in Scripture, while encouraging all the different perspectives to consider from our Tradition, Reason, and Experience. In so doing, we will consider whether grace and forgiveness are possible for Judas. We will also consider whether Judas might be more relatable than we care to admit.

As we prepare our hearts and minds, I encourage you to reflect on these questions in your small groups or personal study:

1. In your mind, is Judas a straight out villain? Or is there a possibility he could be something more?
2. As you read this passage about Judas, what details stand out that you may have never noticed before? 
3. Keeping the Wesleyan Quadrilateral in mind—Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience—what, if any, life experiences have you had that can help you relate to Judas?
4. Can we consider Judas in a different light, and what does that mean for how we view forgiveness and accountability in our own lives?

I hope you will join us – and invite a friend – as we explore the life of Judas and what it means for the way we see, approach, and relate to others in our own lives today. 

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Carrie