There are some questions that surround Judas Iscariot. There’s not too much we know about it. We know he had questionable morals because John 12:6 states he was a thief.
When Jesus is anointed by Mary with perfume, Judas, the treasurer for the disciples, stated that the perfume was worth a year’s wages and could have cared for the poor. Verse 6 states the following: “Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.”
Why would Jesus, who knows all things that can be known, choose a common thief as one of his closest allies? It has everything to do with OT prophecy and their being fulfilled. “Jesus chose Judas as a disciple because, ultimately, Judas fit into the plan of God. Jesus had come to earth to die for the redemption of sinners. That death, “the just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18, NKJV), was not an accident but was God’s intended purpose.” [1]
“Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him” (John 6:64). In Judas, we have a clear example of how a person can be religious, hear the Word of God taught, witness genuine miracles, and for all appearances seem to be saved, and yet not be born again.
Not only was the betrayal of Jesus foreknown by God, but it was part of His definitive plan. So God CAN use the most wicked acts of men for good. Judas did what he did because his mind was open to satanic suggestion. Once he had committed his egregious deed, he was “remorseful”, yet nowhere does it say he was “repentant”. He didn’t know Jesus the way a true follower knows him. Instead of seeking forgiveness for his heinous deed, he took his own life.
Regarding his death, scripture appears to have a contradiction ... Matthew 27:5-8 states he hung himself, Acts 1:18 states the following: “Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines.” Scholars state that it is highly unlikely that Judas would have simply fallen, and his body split open. They surmise that he hung himself and after time had passed his bloated and semi-decaying body caused the rope to snap and that fall from an undetermined height would have caused his body to split open, causing his insides to spill out. Whether this is true or not we'll never know, but it's an interesting notion.
Some hate Judas, others pity him, but whatever happened to him was his own doing. God didn’t make him betray Jesus but knew him and his sinful inclinations and thus knew exactly what he would do. Judas willingly betrayed the Lord and while he felt regret, he never sought forgiveness. Forgiveness is available to anyone and everyone just for the asking with a sincere and repentant heart.
God knows who stands with him and who does not. He also knows those who are Christians in name only. They seek the benefits but not the dedication to serve in love. They are at every service and even tithe regularly but are still dead inside. They have never fully invested in living for Jesus Christ. They haven’t allowed knowing him to revolutionize their lives. They do what they do church-wise because they feel that HAVE to, not because it brings them joy. Eternal life tops any other investment one could make in this life. Live for God.
Up next is a spotlight on Pontius Pilate, Roman governor of the province of Judah, of which Jerusalem was capital. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: New Illustrated Bible Dictionary; www.gotquestions.org; The Life Application Study Bible.
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