The Judas of the Old Testament - Part I

Elisha's servant, Gehazi, shares many similarities with Judas. He could be viewed as the Judas of the Old Testament. They both justified their covetousness, hid their covetousness, and made covetousness their master.

Family Guide:
Memory Verse: Matthew 6:24

Day 1: Read 1 Cor 9:15-18, 2 Kings 5:15-17, and discuss: Why was it important for Paul to keep monetary compensation apart from the sharing of the Gospel? What is the danger of associating money with Gospel? Why did Elisha refuse Naaman's reward? How would this have affected the testimony of God if the reward was accepted?

Day 2: Read 2 Kings 5:16 & 20, James 1:13, John 12:4, and discuss: How did Elisha and Gehazi differ in their determination regarding Naaman's reward? How was this a demonstration of who they wanted to worship? How were Gehazi and Judas similar in their thinking to scorn their respective master and justifying their covetousness? How do you see yourself in this line of thinking?

Day 3: 2 Kings 4:27, 2 Kings 5:20, Matt 26:49, Matt 6:24, and discuss: How was Gehazi's spiritual condition revealed in how he engaged the Shunammite woman? How were Gehazi and Judas similar in how their actions contrast how they outwardly addressed their respective masters? What are our only choices when deciding who we serve according to Mat 6:24? Of the two, Jesus or money, who makes for the best master and who makes for a lousy master?