The Tragic Story of Judas, Pt 5

Jesus interrupted the meal to announce that one of the twelve was going to betray him. The eleven genuine disciples became unglued and each began to inquire if he were the one. This also included a discussion among the disciples as to which one of them it could be (John 13:22). It appears that none of them had the slightest reason to suspect any specific man. However, Peter, in usual form stepped up to the plate and discreetly put another disciple up to asking Jesus to identify the betrayer (John 13:23-24).[1] So, reclining on Jesus’ chest, within inches of his ear, John asked the question, “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:25 NAS). 

The Tragic Story of Judas Iscariot, Pt 4

One of the most sobering moments in the Upper Room is when the Lord Jesus said to the Twelve, “Truly I say to you one of you will betray Me” (Matt 26:21 NAS). As soon as he made this solemn announcement, the disciples began to ask Jesus the question that perhaps is one of the most familiar phrases recorded in the gospel records, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” (Matt 26:22 NAS) 

The Tragic Story of Judas Iscariot, Pt 2

Why did Judas betray Jesus?  Consider one commonly held view. Judas had embraced the pop theology concerning the Messiah. There was no room for a concept of the Messiah as Jehovah’s Suffering Servant. When He arrived on the scene, He would manifest his glory and power, overthrow the Romans, and set up His eternal kingdom. Judas signed up with Jesus eagerly waiting for that moment to arrive. However, as His earthly ministry developed, it became increasingly clear to Judas that Jesus would not meet those expectations. He became disillusioned, perhaps bitter. What really pushed him over the edge was when Jesus began to speak plainly about going to Jerusalem, not to manifest His glory, but to die. That was enough. In his state of disillusionment and unbelief he did something that will haunt him for all eternity. I am quite certain that Judas held to that view of Messiah, but the Scripture does not give us that as the answer. It is speculation. If it did play a role, there had to be more serious underlying factors, especially when you realize that the other disciples had the same misguided hopes (Mt 16:16-23; Lk 24:19-27, 44-48; Ac 1:6-7) So, why did Judas do it?