Judas Iscariot - The Traitor's Traitor. What lies behind the infamous betrayal?

In the annals of Christian history, few stories evoke as much intrigue and controversy as that of Judas Iscariot. Known as the betrayer of Jesus Christ for a meager sum, his tale serves as a captivating study of loyalty, human nature, and the delicate interplay between divine prophecy and personal agency. Let's discover more about this infamous character and what compelled him to trade everything for a mere 30 pieces of silver.

I. WHO WAS JUDAS ISCARIOT?

Judas lived near the beginning of the first century A.D. and would have been from southern Judah, making him the only one of the 12 disciples from Judea. Judas's name is the Greek version of the Hebrew “Judah” which roughly means “Praise” or “Let God Be Praised.” The origin of “Iscariot” is widely held to come from Hebrew ishq'riyoth, meaning “man of Kerioth,” a city in Palestine. He joined Jesus during His three-year ministry, definitively placing him in Israel around 30 A.D.

Though Judas isn’t mentioned nearly as much during Jesus’ ministry as others like Peter, James, and John, the Bible does record that he was the treasurer for the disciples (John 12:6; John 13:29). However, the Bible also reveals that Judas used this position for his own personal gain. John 12:6 states, “he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.”

Another tidbit the Bible offers is a scene in which Judas protests Jesus’ actions. John 12 opens on a dinner scene. There, the Bible records that Jesus’ friend Mary took a large quantity of expensive perfume, poured it over Jesus’ feet, and wiped His feet with her hair as an act of worship. Judas objected. “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages” (John 12:5).

Though his intentions seemed pure, John 12:6 states, “He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief.” He fully intended to skim the funds from the money bag.

II. JUDAS BETRAYS JESUS

After recounting the story of the perfume, both Matthew and Mark immediately follow this scene with that of Judas’ deal with those who wanted to kill Jesus. Matthew records, “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.”(Matthew 26:14-16)

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly predicted that He would be betrayed (e.g. John 6:70-71). However, this betrayal came to a culmination on the night of the Last Supper, Jesus’ final meal with His disciples before He was taken away and crucified.

During the Last Supper, Jesus told His disciples He would be betrayed. When asked by whom, He replied: “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (John 13:26-28). Judas left immediately. He is next seen entering the garden later that night where Jesus is praying. Knowing the place, Judas led a detachment of soldiers and officials to Jesus. Judas told the men, “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him” (Matthew 26:48). He then proceeded to approach Jesus and kiss him in greeting. After this, Jesus was arrested.

Matthew 27 records Judas’s demise. When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to death, he was “seized with remorse” (Matthew 27:3) and returned the 30 coins to the chief priests and elders. When they disregarded him, he threw the money into the temple, left, and went away and hanged himself.

III. WHAT PROMPTED JUDAS'S BETRAYAL?

The Bible does not state why Judas did what he did. His habits with the money bag might suggest greediness, but it is also quite possible that he was troubled by Jesus’ insistence that He would die. Many were looking for a strong political leader in a Messiah, and Jesus was not what they expected. The Bible also explicitly states that Satan was involved with Judas’ actions, but not to what extent.

Some scholars and theologians speculate on various motivations behind his betrayal, ranging from greed to political disillusionment. The offer of thirty pieces of silver has often been highlighted as a symbol of his materialistic desires. However, a deeper exploration suggests a more nuanced internal struggle. Some argue that Judas may have been driven by misunderstanding or a misguided interpretation of Jesus' mission. Others speculate that his actions were a fulfillment of prophecy, indicating a predetermined role in the grander narrative of salvation.

Though Judas’s life story is a tragic one, it points to God in powerful ways. God knew of this “disastrous” turn of events long before it ever occurred. God was not blindsided by this betrayal. In fact, it was part of His plan. In order to save the world from

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