“Cancel Culture” is not a new phenomenon. Since sin entered the world there has been a fierce battle for what is deemed as true and right. This has been no more clearly seen than during Jesus’ final days, when one of His most trusted followers, Judas, attempted to “cancel” Jesus in one of the most brutal betrayals in history. Judas reminds us that even with the most compelling evidence, the finest teaching, and the best example, we cannot change our own hearts. That without a posture of repentance, our vice can become our downfall. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever been canceled (by a friend, family member, co-worker, classmate)? Share your story.
Read: Matthew 26; Luke 22; John 6:70-71; John 11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:10
Discuss:
1. Define “cancel culture.” What has surprised you most about this phenomenon? In what ways have you been touched by this reality (whether directly or indirectly)? How do you think “canceled culture” could affect Christians in the future?
2. Cancel culture is nothing new. Can you share some Biblical examples of people being canceled? Who was Judas Iscariot? What foundational biases did he have with the other disciples? What inherent biases do you have? How have you dealt with them in your life?
3. How does Matthew 26 give us insight into Judas’ character? Why was he frustrated at the woman with the expensive ointment pouring it on Jesus? Was this a fair frustration? Why or why not?
4. If you had to pick out a traitor among the 12 disciples, which one would you have leaned toward? Why? Why do you think Judas made a deal with the chief priests to betray Jesus? How much money was 30 pieces of silver? How does this prove Judas’ desire for control over situations?
5. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas displays implicit hypocrisy. Describe the hypocrisy in Judas. How does “cancel culture” demonstrate the same cycle (bias, control, and hypocrisy)? How do biases become a desire for control? How does control lead to hypocrisy? How have you seen this cycle in your own life? How does “cancel culture” thrive in a society confused about truth and deprived of forgiveness?
6. How do we overcome the parts of Judas in us? How is worldly sorrow different than godly sorrow? What is repentance? How does compassion overcome bias; humility overcome control; and repentance overcome hypocrisy?
Pray: Pray that God would reveal to you the spaces in your life where you might be “canceling” Jesus. Pray that you would be quick to run to repentance and faithful in forgiving those around you. Ask God to give you the eyes to see people through compassion and not bias.
Memorize/Meditate: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10
