(story told in Matthew 26:14-16, 47-56; 27:1-10; Mark 14:10-11, 43-52; Luke 22:1-6, 47-53)
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, chosen to walk closely with Him during His ministry. He witnessed Jesus’ miracles, heard His teachings, and shared in His daily life. Yet, behind his outward appearance of loyalty, Judas’s heart began to turn away. As the group’s treasurer, he managed their money but often helped himself to what was in the purse. Over time, greed and disappointment grew in his heart, leading him down a dark path.
When the religious leaders plotted to arrest Jesus, they needed someone who knew where He could be found away from the crowds. Judas saw an opportunity. He went to them and agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Though he had spent years beside the Son of God, Judas chose money over faithfulness. His betrayal was set in motion with a price.
On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples and announced that one of them would betray Him. When Judas asked, “Is it I?” Jesus quietly confirmed it. Later that night in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas arrived with soldiers and identified Jesus with a kiss—a sign that turned friendship into betrayal.
After Jesus was arrested, guilt and despair filled Judas’s heart. Realizing the weight of what he had done, he tried to return the silver, crying, “I have betrayed innocent blood.” But overcome by shame, he took his own life, ending his story in tragedy.
Judas’s life reminds us how dangerous it is to let sin rule the heart. Even those close to Jesus can fall if they value worldly things more than God. His story warns us to guard our hearts and choose repentance over regret.