Biblical Character Study: Disciples of Lord Jesus Christනියැදිය

Judas – The Betrayer

Judas – The Betrayer

One of the most enigmatic and tragic figures in the Bible is Judas Iscariot.

He was personally chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ to be one of the twelve disciples. He witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and experienced His love — yet he chose the path of betrayal.

Judas’ downfall came through wrong priorities, distorted nationalism, and a misunderstanding of the Messiah’s mission.

A Judean Nationalist

Unlike the other disciples from Galilee, Judas was a Judean, likely from Kerioth near Jericho (hence “Iscariot” – man of Kerioth).

He was a nationalist, zealous for Jewish liberation from Roman rule.

When he realized that Jesus was not planning to establish a political kingdom, Judas tried to force God’s hand—to compel Jesus to reveal His power as Messiah.

He valued the nation above the Lord, and in doing so, misunderstood the true nature of the Kingdom of God.

An Honest Steward?

Judas was entrusted with the group’s finances, serving as treasurer among the disciples — a position of trust.

However, moral decline rarely happens suddenly.

His love for money gradually corrupted his heart.

When Mary anointed Jesus with costly perfume, Judas protested, pretending concern for the poor (John 12:5-6).

In truth, he valued money more than the Master.

As Paul warns, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Judas’ Strategy

Judas was a calculating man.

He may have reasoned that Jesus, having escaped from danger before, would again do so if betrayed — and he would profit in the process.

Perhaps he thought this would force Jesus to publicly demonstrate His divine power.

But this human strategy failed miserably.

His attempt to manipulate the Messiah ended in ruin and remorse.

Instrument of Satan

When Judas persisted in his self-deception, Satan found an opening.

Driven by greed and frustration, Judas consented to betray his Master for thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave (Matthew 26:15).

He became a willing instrument in the hands of the enemy.

The Lord’s Love

Even as Judas plotted against Him, the Lord loved him to the end

At the Last Supper, Jesus gave Judas the first morsel — a gesture of honour and friendship (John 13:26-27).

It was one final appeal of love.

But Judas, with a hardened heart, allowed Satan to fully enter his life.

He rose from the table and walked into the night — into spiritual darkness (John 13:30).

Hatred for Money

After the betrayal, Judas’ conscience awoke.

The silver coins that once thrilled him now filled him with horror.

He returned the money, confessing, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4).

Yet, he sought forgiveness from the wrong people — the priests, not the Saviour.

Remorse without repentance leads only to despair.

Two Masters

Jesus had warned:

“No one can serve two masters […]You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
Judas’ divided heart made him despise the Lord he once followed.
Greed, pride, and disappointment became his ruin.
As Jeremiah lamented, “From the least to the greatest, everyone is greedy for unjust gain.” (Jeremiah 6:13)

The only antidote is a heart of contentment and generosity, giving freely to God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Death of Judas

Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and, consumed by guilt, hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-10).

According to Acts 1:18, his body fell, bursting open in the field bought with his blood money.

The “Field of Blood” stands as a solemn reminder of sin’s terrible consequences.

Challenge

Judas had the same opportunity as Peter, John, and others — to follow faithfully and be transformed.

But while Peter repented and returned, Judas despaired and perished.

His life is a warning to every believer: even those who walk closely with Christ can fall if their hearts turn away.

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)

Let us guard our hearts from greed and pride, and cling to the Saviour who alone forgives and restores.