Judas the Betrayer

He was chosen as a disciple by the Lord. He belonged to Kerioth, a city in ancient Israel. He experienced the love of Christ, learned from his teachings, and witnessed the signs performed by the Messiah. Yet, he chose to betray Him because of his wrong priorities and misunderstanding of the Scripture.

Judean Nationalist

Judas was a Nationalist, desiring a global kingdom under the Messiah in which he could be the finance minister. Since the Lord did not fulfill his expectations, he thought of coercing the Lord Jesus to show his power as the Messiah by betraying him. He exalted the Nation of Israel over the Messiah.

Love for money?

Judas must have been the most honest person in the band of disciples to be chosen as the treasurer. However, Apostle John noted that he was a thief. (John 12:5)

Judas’ strategy

Judas keenly observed that Lord Jesus could escape when people wanted to kill him. Hence, he would betray the Lord, he would escape, but he would be richer. A win-win situation. He became an instrument in the hands of Satan. He sold Christ for 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave.

The Lord loved him

Scholars believe that Judas and John were seated on the right and left of Lord Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. The Lord gave the first morsel to him, as the most honoured guest. (John 13:26-27) The Lord addressed him as a friend when he kissed and betrayed him. (Matthew 26:50)

Hated money?

But within a few hours, after he betrayed the Lord Jesus Christ, Judas hated the money he loved and earned. Wealth obtained by selling Lord Jesus Christ will be a curse (Matthew 27:3-10). And those who gave the money, the chief priests and the elders, to betray did not take it back. He threw it in the Temple treasury. With that money, a potter’s field was purchased to bury strangers.

Repentance?

Judas felt remorse, regretted and repented for his blunder. Instead of coming to the Lord, he went to the conspirators. Repentance and confession are good steps, but they are not enough to receive forgiveness of sins. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is essential to receive salvation.

Death

Judas Iscariot hanged himself. (Matthew 26:14,16) When he hung, he fell headlong and his bowels came out. (Acts 1:18)

Warning

Judas shipwrecked his faith by prioritizing the Nation, Money, and Position.