Judas Betrayed
QUESTION: Judas betrayed Jesus - What's the story?ANSWER:"Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over" (Mark 14:10-11).
This opportunity presented itself in the Garden of Gethsemane (this place is found on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives). Jesus had gone there along with the other disciples to pray before His impending crucifixion.
As Matthew 26:47-50 states, "While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.' Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him. Jesus replied, 'Friend, do what you came for.' Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him."
When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to die he was quite remorseful and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. He informed them that he had sinned and had betrayed innocent blood (Matthew 27:3-4a.)
His distress was hardly of concern to the chief priests.
"'I have sinned,' he said, 'for I have betrayed innocent blood.' 'What is that to us?' they replied. 'That's your responsibility.'"
The final outcome was that Judas committed suicide.
It is interesting to note that the other disciples deserted Jesus when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56b). Peter even vehemently denied that he knew Jesus when questioned.
"After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, 'Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.' Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, 'I don't know the man!' Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: 'Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:73-75).
"Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:24-26).
All the disciples, inclusive of Judas Iscariot, had to face their own challenge of faithfulness to Jesus. All of them in one way or the other had their bouts of failure. Yet at that point in Acts, eleven of them were standing firm in their commitment to God.
Do you sometimes feel like you have been unfaithful to God? Or have not even considered Him in your daily activities? Or worst yet deliberately done what was against His best for you? Then do not accept less than the best that God wants for you. Run to God through Jesus Christ and ask for another chance!
However the means by which it would have occurred Jesus was going to that cross to die. He did it with you in mind.
