History has had many famous betrayals. Julius Caesar was betrayed by his nephew, Brutus.The Continental Army was betrayed by Benedict Arnold. However, the most famous betrayal was made by Judas Iscariot. He betrayed Jesus Christ to the Jewish leaders, which eventually led to his crucifixion by the Romans.
Betrayal is the breaking of a trust within a relationship. Judas was chosen by Jesus Christ to be one of His apostles. Because of his betrayal, the question of his spiritual condition is called into question. Was Judas a true believer or was he just a fake?
Although he was chosen to be one of the Twelve, all scriptural evidence points to the fact that he never believed Jesus to be God. He even may not have been convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Unlike the other disciples that called Jesus “Lord,” Judas never used this title for Jesus and instead called him “Rabbi” (Mark 14:45), which acknowledged Jesus as nothing more than a teacher. While other disciples at times made great professions of faith and loyalty, Judas never did so and appears to have remained silent. In a parable of the judgment, Jesus refers to disciples who performed miracles in Jesus name (which Judas did), but Jesus will pronounce the final judgment “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23). This a hint to Judas that He needed to change.
So, what does this tell us? It tells us that someone can play the part of a hypocrite so well that no one but Jesus Himself knows that he’s a fraud and pretender. Judas was just like the rest of the disciples… except that he never turned to Jesus. But he had his chances.
At his baptism. Tradition says Judas was a follower of John the Baptist before following Jesus. At his baptism, he had an opportunity to make his profession of faith. Yet he chose to just go along and lie about his true faith.
At his calling. Tradition says that Nathanael introduced Judas to Jesus. As he began following, I’m sure he had many conversations with Jesus. Though an unbeliever, he professed belief in Jesus. At anytime he could have admitted his hypocrisy. Especially when he was chosen to be one of the 12 apostles, he should have admitted his fault. But he held to his fraud. He was even picked as the trusted treasurer. But all this must have gone to his head. In his pride, he refused to humble himself.
At Mary’s anointing of Jesus. Judas spent 3 years with Jesus and the other eleven disciples. Nobody, but Jesus, doubted his sincerity. But during the last week of Jesus’ life, his true self came to the front. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet by using an expensive oil. Judas immediately objected to the waste. Now, others knew that he cared more for the poor (and money) than Jesus. But he still did not confess his unbelief (John 12:1-8).
In the Upper Room. Jesus gathered the 12 disciples for one Last Supper. When nobody volunteered, Jesus washed all the disciples’ feet. As he washed Judas’ feet, Judas had his chance (John 13:1-17). As they sat around the table, Jesus between Peter and Judas. Judas had another chance. And when Jesus proclaimed that one of them would betray Jesus, Judas should have realized that his scheme to turn Jesus over to the Jewish leaders was found out. Even to save himself, he should have confessed. But he continued through with his sham (Matthew 26:17-25.
In the Garden of Gethsemane. The last time Judas saw Jesus, he moved close to give a kiss to identify him to the arresting soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus looked at him and simply said, “Friend, Why have you come?” (Matthew 26:50). Jesus knew why he came – to betray Him. But Jesus was giving Judas one last chance to come for forgiveness. But Judas walked away.
Later that night, Judas felt remorse over what he did. But instead of going toward Jesus, he went to the Jewish leaders to attempt to release Jesus. When he found out that was not going to happen, he committed suicide (Matthew 27:1-10).
But even today, Judas has been in Hell for about 2,000 years. He has been thinking about all his missed chances to truly receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. He was so close, but so far. If he could tell us anything, he would say, “It gets harder and harder each time you say NO.”
One day, Judas will stand before God at the final judgment. He will see Jesus in all His glory. I’m sure as he anticipates his sentence, he plead for his soul…. “I’m a good man. I’ve been baptized. I was part of the apostles. I’ve worked miracles. I’ll even give back the 30 pieces of silver if I can. I’ll stand and proclaim who Jesus is now.” But it will be too late. Jesus will sentence him to eternity in the Lake of Fire.
Like Judas, many people are given multiple chances to turn to Christ. For others, they may only get one real opportunity to turn from sin and embrace Jesus with their whole heart. Turn today. You do not know how many opportunities you have left. This may be your last chance to turn to Jesus.
You can read some of my other articles about salvation and following Jesus. 3 Tests of Salvation, 5 Reasons You Can’t Lose Your Salvation, A Word of Salvation from the Cross.