Judas Iscariot stands as one of the most infamous figures in the New Testament, epitomizing the concept of a false friend. As one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, Judas held a position of trust and intimacy within the inner circle of Jesus' followers. Despite this privileged position, Judas ultimately betrayed Jesus, leading to His arrest and crucifixion.

Background and Role as an Apostle

Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon Iscariot, is consistently listed among the twelve apostles in the Synoptic Gospels and the Book of Acts (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). His surname, "Iscariot," likely indicates his place of origin, Kerioth, a town in Judea. As an apostle, Judas was entrusted with the group's finances, serving as the treasurer (John 12:6). This role suggests a level of trust and responsibility, yet it also foreshadows his later actions, as he was known to pilfer from the money bag.

The Betrayal

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is a pivotal event in the Passion narrative. Judas's treachery is foretold in the Psalms, which Jesus Himself references: "He who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me" (John 13:18; cf. Psalm 41:9). The Gospels recount how Judas conspired with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of betrayal was premeditated and executed with a kiss, a gesture of friendship, in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:47-49; Mark 14:43-45; Luke 22:47-48).

Motivations and Character

The motivations behind Judas's betrayal have been the subject of much speculation and theological reflection. The Gospels suggest a combination of greed and satanic influence. John explicitly states, "Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve" (Luke 22:3). Additionally, Judas's love of money is highlighted in the incident where he criticizes Mary for anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, revealing his true character: "He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief" (John 12:6).

Aftermath and Legacy

The consequences of Judas's betrayal were immediate and severe. Overcome with remorse, Judas attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests, declaring, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his repentance was not unto salvation, and in despair, he took his own life (Matthew 27:5; Acts 1:18). The field purchased with the blood money became known as the Field of Blood, fulfilling the prophecy spoken by Jeremiah (Matthew 27:9-10).

Judas Iscariot's legacy is one of caution and warning. His life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy, greed, and the ultimate betrayal of trust. His actions fulfilled the divine plan of redemption, yet they also illustrate the profound tragedy of a false friend who, despite close proximity to the Savior, chose the path of treachery.Matthew 26:48,49
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Nave's Topical Index

Friends of Jesus.
... from Capernaum; Simon, of Galilee, and Judas Iscariot, who came ... Some had brought
sick friends up the rocky gorge ... founded on the rock; and the false were like ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvii friends of jesus.htm

The Foot-Washing.
... lonely desolation of desertion by His friends, the defenceless ... had at last formed
itself in Judas' mind that ... company of disciples on a false understanding, and ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vi the foot-washing.htm

John Chapter xiii. 21-26.
... man lay down his life for his friends." And who ... dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas
Iscariot, the son ... bread which was presented to the false-hearted disciple ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxi john chapter xiii.htm

Shame
... that they are willing, like that wretched Judas, to try ... Thus, my friends, we may
answer the Devil, when ... Devil's work; that is a blasphemous false trust, which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xviii shame.htm

Five Kings in a Cave
And Judas Iscariot. ... Our friends suffer, our kindred must bear a part of the woe with
us ... of every man since Adam's day pulling me away from the true to the false. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/five kings in a cave.htm

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
... Mr. M."If the friends here do not come and get ... There are many false repentances in
the Bible. ... When Judas Iscariot found that he had made a great mistake, he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/ii mr moody and rev marcus.htm

The Betrayal
... dear friends, if the Master shall choose any of us ... if we turn, if we prove false,
how damnable shall ... The Judas who asks questions is "not Iscariot." Thomas and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the betrayal.htm

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
... frictions and collisions with relatives, friends, and neighbours ... angel of light,"
and that false teachers are ... ask him to remember that Judas Iscariot and Demas ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xii heb 4 14 our.htm

Enduring to the End
... his Master for thirty pieces of silver"Judas Iscariot, betrays the ... we have learned
from Scripture, dear friends, has been ... so few who have proved false; but I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... But it is said of these false professors, that "they allure ... given him except the
son of perdition, that is Judas. ... hope, that many of our pious friends who have ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

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