Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve original disciples of Jesus Christ. He is infamously known for betraying Jesus to the religious authorities for 30 pieces of silver, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 26:14-16). Though Judas was originally a follower of Jesus, he ultimately betrayed him. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about Judas Iscariot and his life:
Judas’ Background
The Bible does not tell us much about Judas’ background before becoming a disciple of Jesus. Judas was the son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71). He was from the town of Kerioth in Judea (Joshua 15:25). This is why Judas is differentiated from the other disciples named Judas by being called “Judas Iscariot.” Iscariot meaning “man of Kerioth.”
Judas was one of the twelve disciples handpicked by Jesus to be his closest followers. The twelve disciples included Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 10:2-4).
Judas as a Disciple of Jesus
For most of Jesus’ three-year public ministry, Judas followed him as one of his twelve disciples. Judas witnessed firsthand Jesus’ teachings, miracles, confrontations with religious leaders, messages of repentance and the kingdom of God. The other eleven disciples recognized Judas as being given the important role of keeping charge of the money bag for their ministry needs (John 13:29). Judas even experienced the power of God to heal the sick and cast out demons when Jesus sent the twelve disciples out two by two (Matthew 10:1-8).
However, the Bible indicates that Judas was a thief. When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, Judas objected saying it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But the passage says Judas did not actually care for the poor, but was a thief who was stealing money from the money bag he carried (John 12:4-6). This indicates greed and a lack of integrity in Judas’ heart.
Judas’ Betrayal
After following Jesus for likely over two years, Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests and elders for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). The betrayal happened shortly before the Passover feast in Jerusalem (Mark 14:1-2). Jesus knew ahead of time that Judas would betray him (John 13:21-30). Yet Judas still chose to follow through with this betrayal.
Judas led the religious authorities to the Garden of Gethsemane late at night where Jesus had retreated with his disciples after the Last Supper. Judas identified Jesus to the soldiers and officers with a kiss (Luke 22:47-48). This infamous “kiss of Judas” led to Jesus being arrested and put on trial by the Jewish Sanhedrin and Roman authorities.
The gospel accounts differ on what happened to the 30 pieces of silver after the betrayal:
- Matthew 27:5 says Judas returned the money to the chief priests and elders and then hanged himself out of remorse.
- Acts 1:18 says Judas himself bought a field with the reward for his wickedness, but his body swelled up and burst open in the field he bought.
Though these accounts differ, they both portray Judas feeling deep remorse to the point of taking his own life after realizing the consequences of betraying Jesus.
Jesus’ Statements on Judas
Jesus made several statements specifically about Judas and his future betrayal while Judas was still following him as a disciple:
- “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” (John 6:70).
- “Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.” (John 6:70-71).
- “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.” (John 17:12).
These statements indicate that Jesus knew Judas’ heart and knew he would ultimately betray him, yet still extended love and friendship to Judas as his disciple.
Judas as the Betrayer Prophesied
The Old Testament contains several prophecies that are considered to be fulfilled by Judas’ betrayal of Jesus:
- “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” (Psalm 41:9).
- “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.” (John 13:19).
- “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the LORD Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.” (Zechariah 13:7).
Jesus indicated these prophecies were being fulfilled by events in his own life and betrayal (Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27). Judas played a seemingly predetermined role in God’s plan for Jesus to die on the cross as an atonement for sin.
Lessons from Judas’ Life
Though clearly flawed and sinful, Judas Iscariot was still chosen by Jesus himself to be one of the twelve. Judas walked closely with Jesus, yet betrayed him. Here are some lessons that can be learned from Judas Iscariot’s life recorded in Scripture:
- Betrayal of Christ: Even those closest to Jesus can betray him. Judas serves as a biblical example of someone who appeared to follow Christ but did not truly believe in his heart.
- Hypocrisy: Judas projected an outward appearance of godliness and service to the poor, while stealing money for himself. He warns against hypocrisy (Matthew 6:2-4).
- Love of money: Judas was enticed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He calls people to examine their hearts and not be led astray by greed and money.
- Fulfilling prophecy: Judas played a unique role in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Even evil actions can be used by God to accomplish his purposes.
- God’s sovereignty: Though Judas betrayed Jesus, it was part of God’s sovereign plan for the crucifixion of Christ to atone for sins.
- Remorse is not repentance: Judas felt remorse for betraying innocent blood, but did not seek true repentance like Peter. Remorse alone cannot save.
Overall, Judas serves as a sobering biblical example of someone close to Jesus who still betrayed him. His life calls everyone to examine their own hearts and not harden themselves to the gospel.
Judas Iscariot’s Significance
While infamous for his betrayal, Judas still served an important role in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. Here is Judas’ significance according to Scripture:
- He was chosen by Jesus as one of his twelve disciples, so experienced Jesus’ ministry firsthand.
- His betrayal of Jesus led directly to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, a necessary part of God’s redemptive plan.
- His life teaches important biblical lessons about remaining faithful to Christ, guarding against greed and hypocrisy, and repentance.
- He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s betrayal by a close friend.
- Though used for evil, God used Judas’ actions to accomplish the salvation of mankind (Acts 2:23).
So while infamous as history’s most well-known betrayer, Judas still played an important biblical role. His life teaches lessons and serves as a warning to all followers of Christ to remain faithful and guard their hearts.
Verses about Judas Iscariot
Here are some key verses in the Bible that mention Judas Iscariot:
- John 6:71 – He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.
- John 12:4-6 – But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
- Matthew 10:4 – Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
- Matthew 26:14-16 – Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
- Matthew 27:9-10 – Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
Other Figures Named Judas in the Bible
There are a few other figures named Judas in the New Testament. It is important not to confuse them with Judas Iscariot:
- Judas the Galilean: He led a revolt against Rome around AD 6 mentioned in Acts 5:37. He was a separate revolutionary figure centuries before Judas Iscariot.
- Judas son of James: He was one of the 12 disciples (Luke 6:16, Acts 1:13) and traditionally considered the brother of James son of Alphaeus.
- Judas Barsabbas: He was a prophet sent by the Jerusalem Council to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:22-32).
So in summary, Judas Iscariot should not be confused with these other biblical figures named Judas. He is the one specifically known for his betrayal of Jesus.
References to Judas Iscariot in Pop Culture
Due to his biblical notoriety, Judas Iscariot has been referenced and portrayed many times in popular culture throughout history in literature, film, music and more:
- The Last Temptation of Christ (1953 novel and 1988 film): Judas is depicted as acting on Jesus’ orders to betray him.
- Jesus Christ Superstar (1970 musical and 1973 film): Judas is portrayed sympathetically as disillusioned and wanting Jesus to be more militaristic.
- The Passover Plot (1976 film): A controversial film that puts forth conspiracy theories about Judas.
- “Judas” (1981 song by Depeche Mode): A song told from Judas’ perspective.
- The Fifth Gospel (1996 novel): A fictional account of Judas writing his version of events.
- The Gospel of Judas (1978 document): An infamous gnostic gospel portraying Judas in a positive light. It presents an alternative narrative that scholars consider historically inaccurate.
These varied pop culture references indicate Judas remains an enigmatic biblical figure often reinterpreted through art and literature. His traditional portrayal as a betrayer continues to fascinate scholars and artists generations later. But the biblical account stands as the most reliable source on Judas’ life and character.
Conclusion
In summary, Judas Iscariot was one of the original twelve disciples who ultimately betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. His actions led to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies but also bringing deep remorse to Judas afterwards. Judas serves as a biblical lesson in remaining faithful to Christ and not being led astray by sin and greed. Though his legacy is that of a betrayer, Judas still providentially played a role in humanity’s salvation through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The Bible remains the best source for understanding Judas’ actual life and character.