United States Suicide Statistics

• In 2004, it was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 32,439 deaths (Homicide ranks 15th).

– Suicide was the eighth leading cause of death for males and the sixteenth leading cause of death for females in 2004.

– Firearms, suffocation, & poison are by far the most common methods of suicide.

– It is the 3rd ranking cause of death for young people.

Causes of Suicide• Hopelessness – Depression

• Substance Abuse

• Problems in the Home– Violence or abuse; Divorce; Death

• Financial Problems

• Isolation from Family or Friends

• Rejection by a Boyfriend or Girlfriend

• A Serious Illness/Disease

Matthew 26:19-22

• 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

• 20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.

• 21 Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.“

• 22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?"

Matthew 26:23-25

• 23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.”

• 24 “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

• 25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?" He said to him, "You have said it."

Matthew 26:23-25

• 23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.”

• 24 “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

• 25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?" He said to him, "You have said it."

Judas’ Act of Betrayal • Matthew 26:47-50 (Psalm 41:9; 55:12-14)

– 47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.“ 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.

Judas’ Act of Suicide• Matthew 27:3-5

– 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Suicide: Wrong Answer to Life’s Problems

• Life has purpose and meaning.– Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 6:33; Romans 12:1

• Problems have a purpose in life.– Jam. 1:2-3; 5:11; Job 1:21; 13:15

– 2 Cor. 11:23-27; Phil. 1:20-21

• You are very valuable to God.– Genesis 1:26-27; Ecclesiastes 12:7

– Matt. 16:26; John 3:16; Psalm 8:5-6

Suicide: Wrong Answer to Life’s Problems

• There is a place of refuge.– Psalm 9:9-10; 46:1-3; 57:1; 62:1-8– 2 Cor. 1:3-4; Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 13:5-6

• God gives freedom from guilt.– Romans 5:20-21; 4:7; Colossians 2:13

• There is something far better.– Phil. 1:23; 3:20; Romans 8:18

“Do Yourself No Harm”Acts 16:28

• “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”– Acts 16:30-34

• Practicing righteousness brings peace– Isaiah 57:21; Colossians 3:15

• Christians handle problems differently– I Cor. 10:13; I Pet. 5:7; Gal. 6:2

• Life’s problems are temporary at best– 2 Corinthians 4:16-18