The Betrayer :- Judas Iscariot

 

The Betrayer; Judas Iscariot 

When we think of Judas Iscariot, what are some of the things we think of?  He was one of the 12, apparently he was the treasurer, he treated the money as his own, he was greedy, he willfully betrayed Jesus, he had remorse, he committed suicide.  Out of all these things, I think we all normally go straight to the betrayal, but how many of us look at the man himself. Who was Judas? What do we know about him? 

Judas is described in scripture as the son of Simon Iscariot, John 6:71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

"Iscariot” translates as “a man of Kerioth” – a small town in Judea south of Jerusalem. This makes Judas the only non-Galilean among the 12 disciples - the odd man out.  Other than that he would betray Christ, this is about all we really know of Judas, as not much else is written specific detail of him in scripture.  

But, while we may not have much more than this on the man himself, we have plenty to speak of his character.  John 6:70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”

While the disciples were men changed by Jesus, it is critical to understand each man chosen by Christ had to choose and be willing to be changed.  The picture we get is, though chosen by Jesus, Judas chose to follow Jesus, but was not willing to be changed - he would ultimately betray Jesus and set into motion the events leading to Christ’s death.  We can see this is evident in the description of his mind and heart during the betrayal, and the remorse he felt afterwards.

A lot of us have been called to priesthood, but are we truly following the CHRIST that called us and are we doing His wishes? A lot of us are just bearing the title a Prophet and Evangelist but our acts are not befitting for the title we carry. 

At times, I think we fail to see the importance of our calling.  As followers of Christ, we too have been chosen - and desired - by Jesus Christ for a specific purpose and mission - to go and make disciples.  But we, like the original 12, must also choose - in our heart - whether we follow Jesus, or whether we will betray Him like Judas.

The Betrayal 

The chief priests and scribes were already plotting to kill Christ.  Why?  Simply because the people He ministered to were seeing the truth, accepting to the Gospel message, and following Christ instead.   

Now days, people leave Christ to seek entertainment at churches and parishes!  Notice the chief priests and scribes were not planning to kill Him themselves, but was looking for ways to “get the job done”.  Judas was the one with the wrong motive at the right time.  I guess they thought if they didn’t commit the act themselves, and had someone else do the deed, they would not break their own commandments.

Judas is given a way out of this act against Jesus, his sin is even blatantly acknowledged by Christ to his face.  Yet he again chooses to not follow Jesus.

In Psalm 41:9 this betrayal was told: Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.

Luke 22:48 includes this: but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”  

Three time, Judas was given an opportunity to turn from his evil plan.  

• At the dinner with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 
• At the Passover Meal, 
• And at the garden of Gethsemane.  

Three times, Judas had a choice, three times he chose to turn his back of Christ.  It wasn’t until the deed was done, and Jesus was turned over to the chief priests and elders that Judas realizes his mistake and has remorse for what he has done, but it’s too late.

Closing

Think of those who had beaten Jesus, stripped Him and cast lots for His clothing, had nailed Him to the cross, and would spit on Him, place a crown of thorns on His head, and ridicule Him.  They had a choice to make.  Judas had a choice he had to make.  We have a choice to make.  

We can be around the church, we can attend services, we can be wearing the highest ranks, we can even be close to the pastor worldwide and we might even act like we are a Christian BUT if we just go through the motions without a true change, we too are just as lost as Judas.  

Oh, but can I tell you Jesus has made the choice to forgive you?  Not only does he offer us salvation, but VICTORY through the death of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you feel victorious?  

Are you sure of your salvation?  

Have you made the choice to follow Jesus Christ?  

If not, what better day than today?

Make your plans now and don’t forget, Jesus Christ loves YOU!

Allelujah.