Judas Iscariot

*Judas’s story is told in Matthew 26:14-16, 47-56; 27:1-10; Mark 14:10-11, 43-52; Luke 22:1-6, 47-53

1. Who Is Judas Iscariot?
A. Background and Early Life:

  • One of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.
  • His surname ‘Iscariot’ might suggest he was from the village of Kerioth.

B. Relationship with Jesus:

  • Close enough to Jesus to be one of His twelve disciples.
  • Entrusted with the group’s money as the treasurer.

2. Strengths and Accomplishments:
A. Apostle of Jesus:

  • One of the twelve men chosen to be close followers of Christ.
  • Witnessed Jesus’ teachings and miracles first-hand.

B. Treasurer:

  • Responsible for the finances of Jesus and His disciples.
  • Indicates some level of trust and responsibility.

3. Weaknesses and Mistakes:
A. Betrayed Jesus:

  • Agreed to hand Jesus over to the chief priests in exchange for 30 pieces of silver.
  • Identified Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane by giving Him a kiss, signaling His identity to the arresting soldiers.

B. Succumbed to Guilt:

  • After Jesus’ condemnation, Judas was filled with remorse.
  • Tried to return the 30 pieces of silver.
  • Ended his own life, unable to bear the weight of his actions.

4. Lessons from His Life:
A. The Complexity of Human Nature:

  • Judas’ actions remind us that humans can be swayed, even when they’ve witnessed the divine.
  • Offers a warning about the corrupting nature of greed and ambition.

B. Repentance and Forgiveness:

  • Despite his deep remorse, Judas did not seek forgiveness from God.
  • Highlights the importance of genuine repentance and seeking God’s grace.

C. The Consequences of Choices:

  • Every decision, good or bad, has consequences. Judas’ actions led to the crucifixion of Jesus and his own tragic end.

5. Key Verses (NIV):
A. Betrayal:

  • Matthew 26:14-15: “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 deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.”

B. Remorse:

  • Matthew 27:3-4: “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’”