Judas Iscariot
Introduction: The Lord Jesus chose twelve men to follow him during his public ministry, and he also sent them out to preach with authority to heal sickness and cast out demons. We know that not all twelve tribes of Israel were represented since there were pairs of brothers among the twelve apostles. They were identified only with names of parents or their region of residence, and not by tribe. These men were not part of any established religious leadership group, and they were not respected by those leaders. One of the chosen apostles became a traitor in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies; and Jesus spoke about the traitor, without revealing his identity. This study is a brief overview about Judas Iscariot, who was with the other apostles until he finally betrayed Jesus to the chief priests.
NOTE: Bible verses are from the World English Bible.
A — The Calling of the Twelve Apostles
Matthew 10 “1 He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; 3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”
Luke 6 “12 It happened in these days, that he went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God. 13 When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; 15 Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Simon, who was called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor.”
Comments: Each of the three “synoptic” gospel accounts have some exclusive detail about the appointing of the twelve apostles by the Lord. Only Luke tells us that Jesus continued all night in the mountain in prayer to God before he chose them. In all three gospels Judas Iscariot was named last and it was said of him “who also betrayed him” or “who also became a traitor.” Matthew, Mark, and Luke all provide much information about Jesus and some of the apostles prior to these passages, but the fact that Judas Iscariot would be the traitor was not known by the other eleven until that very night after the betrayal.
B — The Twelve Were Sent Out to Preach About the Kingdom of God
Matthew 10 “5 Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, ‘Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans. 6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, preach, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. 9 Don’t take any gold, nor silver, nor brass in your money belts.’”
Mark 6 “7 He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.”
Comments: All three of these gospels clearly state that Jesus gave to the twelve apostles great authority over demons, and power to heal many sicknesses. The gospel of Mark provides the extra detail that they were sent out in pairs, so none of them served Jesus in this particular assignment independently. Matthew records that they were clearly directed to go only to the house of Israel, and not to go to Samaritans or Gentiles. They were very successful in the work they had been given by the Lord. The message they shared is critical for every person. The only way for anyone to receive the gift of eternal life is through the righteousness of Christ by grace through faith.
C — Most Jews Wanted a King to Free Them from Rome
John 6 “11 Jesus took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down; likewise also of the fish as much as they desired. 12 When they were filled, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.’ 13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, ‘This is truly the prophet who comes into the world.’ 15 Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself.”
John 6 “41 The Jews therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, ‘I am the bread which came down out of heaven.’ 42 They said, ‘Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, “I have come down out of heaven?”’ 43 Therefore Jesus answered them, ‘Don’t murmur among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 47 Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.’”
Comments: Many of the Jews knew that Moses and the prophets had written about a Messiah who would come, but their expectations were mixed with a desire common to all for a society of comfort and security in this life. When Jesus was the teacher, the message was coming directly from Immanuel, “God with us.” The Jews were murmuring and muttering, asking each other how Jesus could claim to have come down from heaven when they said his parents were Joseph and Mary. Jesus knew they were raising such objections, but he went even further and told them no one can come to him unless the Father who sent him draws him. The promise that Jesus offered was for eternal life, not for an earthly kingdom.
D — The Chosen Twelve Stayed, But One of Them Would Be a Traitor
John 6 “60 Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, ‘This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?’ 61 But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, ‘Does this cause you to stumble? 62 Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life. 64 But there are some of you who don’t believe.’ For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who didn’t believe, and who it was who would betray him. 66 At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, ‘You don’t also want to go away, do you?’ 68 Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ 70 Jesus answered them, ‘Didn’t I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?’ 71 Now he spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve.”
Comments: In verse 64 the reader is told that Jesus knew from the beginning who would believe his words of spirit and life, and who was to betray him. The overall impact of these statements caused many of the disciples of Jesus to stop following him. When Jesus asked the twelve if they would also leave, Simon Peter addressed Jesus as Lord with the response that there was no other person to follow because Jesus had the words of eternal life. Peter went on to say that they firmly believed Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus had a very surprising response when he said he had chosen the twelve, and one of them was a devil. There is no indication that anyone asked at that time, but the written word tells us he spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve.
E — A Very Special Anointing with Expensive Ointment
Matthew 26 “6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. 8 But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? 9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.’ 10 However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? Because she has done a good work for me. 11 For you always have the poor with you; but you don’t always have me. 12 For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.’ 14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, 15 and said, ‘What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver him to you?’ They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.”
John 12 “4 Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said, 5 ‘Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?’ 6 Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.”
Comments: The account in Matthew indicates that more than one disciple complained about the use of this very expensive ointment which could have helped poor people financially. Jesus gave his answer to their complaints, but there is no indication that even the most dedicated of his followers understood how this anointing could be in preparation for his burial. Judas Iscariot apparently decided these things were prompting him to go to the chief priests to make a bargain for betrayal of Jesus. The reward they promised was thirty pieces of silver, which fulfilled yet another Old Testament prophecy. John’s gospel gives additional facts about the inner motivation of Judas, stating he did not care about the needs of the poor. He also had charge of the money box, and had stolen money from it.
F — The Betrayal Was Set into Motion
John 13 “2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, 4 arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
John 13 “21 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, ‘Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.’ 22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke. 26 Jesus therefore answered, ‘It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What you do, do quickly.’ 28 Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him. 30 Therefore, having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.”
Comments: Judas Iscariot was among the twelve when Jesus ate with them the last time, and even when he washed their feet as a symbol of complete humility in serving through love. Then the emotion Jesus displayed as the son of man was demonstrated as he knew the hour had come for him to be betrayed, and for him to return to the Father in heaven. Without revealing the identity, Jesus told all of them that one of the twelve would betray him. Judas Iscariot was that traitor who was not able to keep from falling away even though he had been a chosen apostle for over three years. But the other eleven did not remain loyal to Jesus through their own merit. They were confused, disappointed, and dispersed when Jesus was taken prisoner and crucified. But they had the grace gift of faith from God to see the resurrected Christ, and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to begin the spread of the gospel in various ways despite all opposition and danger to themselves.
G — Jesus Lost Not Even One Given to Him by the Father
John 17 “11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”
John 18 “1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went forth, and said to them, ‘Who are you looking for?’ 5 They answered him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am he.’ Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When therefore he said to them, ‘I am he,’ they went backward, and fell to the ground.”
Comments: In the closing passages from John chapter 17, Judas Iscariot had already left to betray Jesus into the hands of those who hated him. Jesus showed how much he loved the eleven as he prays to the Father in thanksgiving knowing that the eleven would join him in his glory with the Father. Jesus was not of this world, but only in the world for a certain period of time. He said this was true also of the eleven apostles because they had been set apart through their faith. Then chapter 18 provides such a powerful description of the way Jesus protected the eleven apostles from being taken prisoner along with him. All the while, Judas Iscariot was with the opponents of Christ, not with his apostles.
Judas Iscariot did not see Jesus after the resurrection because he took his own life. Matthew 27 “3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, ‘I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? You see to it.’ 5 He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He went away and hanged himself.” Judas seemed to have concern about punishment he might suffer from other men since he expressed “innocent blood,” with no reference to a great sin against the Son of God. The remorse that Judas Iscariot expressed may be similar to the position of Esau after he had despised his birthright.
Only Matthew recorded that Jesus had told of the final condition in store for his betrayer. Matthew 26 “24 The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born. 25 Judas, who betrayed him, answered, ‘It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?’ He said to him, ‘You said it.’” Judas stayed on his course despite this reply to him from Jesus.
H — The LORD God Has No Counselor
Isaiah 40 “13 Who has directed the Spirit of Yahweh, or has taught him as his counsellor? 14 Who did he take counsel with, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? 15 Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance.”
Romans 9 “11 For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls, 12 it was said to her, ‘The elder will serve the younger.’ 13 Even as it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’ 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be! 15 For he said to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.”
Romans 11 “33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 34 ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?’ 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.”
Comments: There are many prophecies about the Christ and about those who interacted with him during his earthly ministry. I chose to conclude this overview of Judas Iscariot with the above references from Isaiah and Romans to remind myself that God’s ways are past finding out, well beyond the capacity of the minds of those he has created. The Jewish religious leaders had much knowledge of scripture, and many traditions had developed over the centuries, but not many of those leaders accepted God’s grace gift by faith when the prophesied Messiah appeared in the flesh. Those who seem to be fully committed in full time service in ministry for God may fall away like Judas Iscariot if their heart is not right. Even the eleven apostles did not know who Jesus spoke of until the actions of Judas culminated in betrayal.
The Apostle John gave us his own testimony about Jesus before he provided many other details in his gospel account. John 1 “10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. 12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name.”
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, it was my intention to prepare this Bible study carefully to allow me to consider your sovereign will especially for Judas Iscariot because he was the traitor. I wanted to try to learn more than just that most commonly remembered fact about him, and about the intricate ways your designed prophecy led to that point in history. The prophecies in scripture will continue to be fulfilled because the will of God cannot be turned aside by the will of man, or even by Satan. Perhaps one of the important lessons learned by the eleven is that the secrets of the heart, as with Judas Iscariot, cannot be hidden from God. For some three years as you taught and served others, these chosen men had direct experience with their God in ways that no others will ever have.
I can rejoice that I have become one of your children purely by your grace, knowing that not even the apostles had any merit in themselves to be chosen by you. Your gift of eternal life is given only to those who believe in the name of Christ Jesus: who are born not of bloodline, nor of the will within themselves, nor of the will of any other man in their behalf, but born of God. Because the eleven, and others you have chosen, were obedient to your command for them to make disciples in all the world through the power of your Holy Spirit, all Christians can know about being ready for your return at the end of the age. Help me Lord to keep my focus on that upward call, while humbly serving others in the manner you have prepared for me. I praise you my Savior for the grace and mercy by which you have granted eternal life to me. Hallelujah, and amen!
Published 11 March 2017, revision 7 April 2017