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

Judas Iscariot: The Disciple Who Betrayed Jesus

When we hear the name Judas Iscariot, most of us think of one thing: betrayal. He was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, yet he became the one who handed Jesus over to be arrested. His story is heartbreaking, but it also holds important lessons that we can all learn from.

Let’s take a closer look at who Judas was and what his story teaches us.

Who Was Judas Iscariot?

Judas was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. He walked with Jesus, listened to His teaching, saw His miracles, and was part of His ministry. Judas was even trusted with the group’s money bag, acting as their treasurer.

At first glance, he looked like a faithful follower. But over time, Judas allowed greed and disappointment to grow in his heart.

The Betrayal

In Matthew 26, we read that Judas went to the religious leaders and asked, “What will you give me if I hand Him over to you?” They offered him thirty pieces of silver, and from that moment, Judas looked for a chance to betray Jesus.

That chance came in a garden at night. Judas led a group of soldiers to where Jesus was praying. To identify Jesus, he walked up and kissed Him—a sign of greeting that became a sign of betrayal.

Jesus, knowing what was happening, responded with calm and sorrow:
“Friend, do what you came for.”
(Matthew 26:50)

Regret and Tragic End

After Jesus was arrested and sentenced to die, Judas was filled with regret. He realized what he had done and tried to return the money to the priests, saying,
“I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
(Matthew 27:4)

But the priests didn’t care.

Feeling hopeless and full of guilt, Judas threw the money into the temple and went away. In deep sorrow, he took his own life.

What Can We Learn from Judas?

Judas’s story is sad, but it teaches us some powerful truths:

  • Being near Jesus isn’t the same as knowing Him. Judas heard Jesus teach and saw His miracles—but his heart wasn’t truly changed.
  • Small sins can grow big over time. Judas let greed and disappointment fester. In the end, it led him to do something terrible.
  • Everyone fails—but how we respond matters. Peter also failed Jesus by denying Him, but Peter turned back and was forgiven. Judas gave up and never sought forgiveness.
  • God’s mercy is always available. Even when we mess up, God wants us to come back to Him. There is always hope when we turn to Him with a humble heart.

Conclusion

Judas Iscariot is remembered for his betrayal, but his story is more than just a warning. It’s a reminder that our choices matter, and that we should never let guilt or sin pull us away from God.

If you’ve ever made a mistake—and we all have—don’t follow Judas’s path of despair. Instead, be like Peter: turn back to Jesus, ask for forgiveness, and receive the mercy He freely gives.

There is hope, even after failure.