Judas Iscariot is one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. Judas’ surname could indicate he belonged to the Sicarii, at that time, the most radical Jewish group.
The Twelve are first Peter then Andrew, James and John Zebedee, then Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, son of Alphaeus; Jude, or Thaddaeus, son of James; Simon the Cananaean, the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot their treasurer.
Peter listed always first. Judas always last.
Judas is with Jesus during all the years of his ministry and receives his special teaching and training. He is Jesus’ constant companion and friend. Judas hears the parables, is taught by Jesus, witnesses all Jesus’ healings, exorcising evil spirits, raising the dead.
He hears Jesus describe the cost of following him. He is sent out as to proclaim the coming of the Messianic kingdom and the restoration of Israel. Judas is with Jesus as they approach Jerusalem. He hears the crowd shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord – the King of Israel!”
Judas, keeper of the purse, is most likely in the group sent to find a room and prepare the Passover meal. During that seder meal, Jesus institutes the Eucharist. Judas is there at the table, reclining, near Jesus. He eats the bread and drinks the wine both blessed by Jesus. He hears Jesus declare this is my Body and my Blood of the new covenant. Jesus predicts someone at the table will betray him:
“The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.” Judas replies, “Surely, not I Rabbi?” Jesus looks at Judas: “You have said so.”
Judas and the other apostles are with Jesus at Bethany. After Bethany, Judas leaves Jesus and his friends. He goes to the High Priest and volunteers to betray Jesus. Does Judas think Jesus hinted at supper that he should do this?
Judas is with Jesus and the others on the Mount of Olives. There Jesus predicts they will all desert and abandon him because of what is to come. Peter protests and with all the disciples say, “We will never desert or abandon you.”
Was Judas among them there in the olive groves? And then leave to finish the deal with the Jewish authorities and plan the betrayal?
He was not with the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. He arrives later bringing Temple servants of the High Priest to arrest Jesus and take him away.
So, why did Judas betray Jesus to the High Priest? What was his motive? He was a trusted member of this special and chosen group, given missions. Jesus loved him. He must have known he would be hated by his friends and former companions.
Judas remembers the crowd hailing Jesus as king. Did he think he could mobilize the crowds to rise up and force Jesus to become king like David and restore glory and power to Israel?
There is a point of evidence that the Sanhedrin were already plotting to seize Jesus and kill him. I believe they did not need Judas’ willful act of betrayal.
“Then the chief priests and the elders of the people conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.”
Was he jealous of Peter, James and John, members of Jesus’ inner circle who alone were permitted to witness Jesus’ Transfiguration? Was he so deep in despair and self-pity that suicide was his only recourse?
“For those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?”
The witnesses have testified, as written in the Gospels and Acts. Who makes the judgment on Judas? God is the supreme Judge. It is between Judas and God.
What meaning is there for us in Judas’ tragic history? I know Jesus as loving and forgiving. I believe in my heart that glorified Jesus reached down, took up Judas and with love and compassion brought him into new life, forgiven, restored and redeemed. If he does this for Judas, I believe he will do this for us.
“Since then. we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. Let us therefor approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.”
The Twelve are first Peter then Andrew, James and John Zebedee, then Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, son of Alphaeus; Jude, or Thaddaeus, son of James; Simon the Cananaean, the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot their treasurer.
Peter listed always first. Judas always last.
Judas is with Jesus during all the years of his ministry and receives his special teaching and training. He is Jesus’ constant companion and friend. Judas hears the parables, is taught by Jesus, witnesses all Jesus’ healings, exorcising evil spirits, raising the dead.
He hears Jesus describe the cost of following him. He is sent out as to proclaim the coming of the Messianic kingdom and the restoration of Israel. Judas is with Jesus as they approach Jerusalem. He hears the crowd shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord – the King of Israel!”
Judas, keeper of the purse, is most likely in the group sent to find a room and prepare the Passover meal. During that seder meal, Jesus institutes the Eucharist. Judas is there at the table, reclining, near Jesus. He eats the bread and drinks the wine both blessed by Jesus. He hears Jesus declare this is my Body and my Blood of the new covenant. Jesus predicts someone at the table will betray him:
“The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.” Judas replies, “Surely, not I Rabbi?” Jesus looks at Judas: “You have said so.”
Judas and the other apostles are with Jesus at Bethany. After Bethany, Judas leaves Jesus and his friends. He goes to the High Priest and volunteers to betray Jesus. Does Judas think Jesus hinted at supper that he should do this?
Judas is with Jesus and the others on the Mount of Olives. There Jesus predicts they will all desert and abandon him because of what is to come. Peter protests and with all the disciples say, “We will never desert or abandon you.”
Was Judas among them there in the olive groves? And then leave to finish the deal with the Jewish authorities and plan the betrayal?
He was not with the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. He arrives later bringing Temple servants of the High Priest to arrest Jesus and take him away.
So, why did Judas betray Jesus to the High Priest? What was his motive? He was a trusted member of this special and chosen group, given missions. Jesus loved him. He must have known he would be hated by his friends and former companions.
Judas remembers the crowd hailing Jesus as king. Did he think he could mobilize the crowds to rise up and force Jesus to become king like David and restore glory and power to Israel?
There is a point of evidence that the Sanhedrin were already plotting to seize Jesus and kill him. I believe they did not need Judas’ willful act of betrayal.
“Then the chief priests and the elders of the people conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.”
Was he jealous of Peter, James and John, members of Jesus’ inner circle who alone were permitted to witness Jesus’ Transfiguration? Was he so deep in despair and self-pity that suicide was his only recourse?
“For those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?”
The witnesses have testified, as written in the Gospels and Acts. Who makes the judgment on Judas? God is the supreme Judge. It is between Judas and God.
What meaning is there for us in Judas’ tragic history? I know Jesus as loving and forgiving. I believe in my heart that glorified Jesus reached down, took up Judas and with love and compassion brought him into new life, forgiven, restored and redeemed. If he does this for Judas, I believe he will do this for us.
“Since then. we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. Let us therefor approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.”
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