Why Judas?

 

In the grand story of Christian faith, the figure of Judas Iscariot stands out as a cautionary tale, woven with betrayal and the twists of free will. He’s the guy we often side-eye and talk about in hushed tones, but his life actually gives us deep insights into true belief, the balance between divine sovereignty and human choice, and the vulnerability of the human heart. So, let’s take a look at what the Bible says about Judas and see what we can learn for our own faith journey, with a little wink to the heavens.

The Bible mentions Judas Iscariot more than you might think—especially in the Gospels. And though he’s mainly remembered as the guy who betrayed Jesus, his life is filled with lessons about belief, disillusionment, and human nature. You might think of him as the villain, but his story speaks to all of us.

Judas was called by Jesus to be one of the twelve disciples, a position of incredible honor. In Matthew 10:1-4, we are told that Jesus gave them power over unclean spirits and the ability to heal all kinds of sickness and disease. Judas, who was in that group, had a VIP spot at the front of all the miracles, teachings, and divine moments. It’s a reminder that everyone has a divine purpose, but with that comes the responsibility not to become a spiritual villain like Judas did.

Later, in John 12:4-6, we see Judas’s role as the treasurer. He complains about the ointment being wasted on Jesus, saying, “Why wasn’t this sold and given to the poor?” But John points out that Judas didn’t care about the poor—he was more interested in the money. As 1 Timothy 6:10 tells us, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” Judas’s problem wasn’t just greed, but a failure to manage his role with integrity. Being entrusted with something valuable is a privilege, and we have to handle our responsibilities with care, or else we might find ourselves straying, like Judas did.

And then comes the moment of betrayal. In Matthew 26:14-16, we see Judas strike a deal with the chief priests to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver. He was right there with Jesus, sharing in His teachings and miracles, and yet, he chose to betray Him. It’s a chilling reminder that even those closest to Jesus can be led astray. Judas’s actions are a stark illustration of how easy it is to get caught up in the wrong things—whether it’s money, power, or simply disillusionment. Proverbs 4:23 warns us to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Our hearts, and our intentions, can lead us down paths we don’t want to go.

Judas’s choice to go to the chief priests, the very ones who represented worldly authority, highlights another truth: betrayal often happens when we start aligning ourselves with the wrong sources of influence. James 4:4 makes it clear—“the friendship of the world is enmity with God.” It’s a reminder to evaluate who and what we’re listening to. Are we aligning ourselves with God’s guidance, or with the world’s wisdom?

In this moment, it’s easy to think Judas was simply a greedy man, but his actions could also point to something deeper—disillusionment. He had seen all of Jesus’s miracles, heard His teachings, and followed Him, yet maybe he expected Jesus’s kingdom to look different. Instead of seeking clarity and remaining faithful, he chose betrayal - to force Jesus' hand to become the King He was prophesied about. Judas’s story reminds us that even when things don’t go as we expect, we need to keep trusting in God and not let disillusionment cloud our judgment.

What’s hard to wrap our heads around is that Judas’s actions were part of God’s plan all along. This wasn’t a mistake that threw God’s plan off course; it was woven into the tapestry of redemption from the start. Isaiah 53:3 speaks of Jesus being “despised and rejected of men,” and Judas’s role, though tragic, was part of fulfilling that prophecy. It reminds us that even when things don’t make sense, God is still in control and can use everything for His ultimate purpose.

Then, after the betrayal, we see Judas’s regret. In Matthew 27:3-5, after realizing what he’s done, Judas is filled with remorse, but it’s too late. His despair led him to take his own life. It’s a gut-wrenching reminder that no matter how far we fall, God’s grace is always waiting to pick us up. Judas’s story illustrates the human tendency to give into despair instead of seeking redemption. It shows that even when we fail, God’s grace offers us a way back, if we choose to turn to Him.

As we reflect on Judas’s life, we’re reminded of the fragility of our own faith. Just because we’re close to Jesus doesn’t mean we’re immune to temptation. We all have moments when we might fall short or make choices that seem to go against everything we believe. But Judas’s story doesn’t have to be our story. Instead of succumbing to regret, we can seek God’s forgiveness and grace. Romans 12:2 reminds us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” and that’s exactly what grace does—it renews us, even after we’ve stumbled.

Judas’s journey also offers us a look into the danger of apostasy, as we see in Hebrews 6:4-6. Being around Jesus, hearing His word, and seeing His miracles doesn’t guarantee our faith will remain solid. It’s a good reminder to stay grounded, always checking where our hearts are at, and remembering that it’s not just about what we believe in our heads but how we live out that belief.

The story of Judas also shows us the nature of true belief. It’s not just about following Jesus when things are good, but staying faithful when it’s hard. Genuine faith is marked by the fruit it produces—love, peace, patience. If Judas’s life shows us anything, it’s that being close to Jesus doesn’t automatically make us faithful. We need to bear fruit that reflects true discipleship.

Ultimately, Judas’s story offers both a warning and an opportunity. A warning to be vigilant with our faith and choices, and an opportunity to reflect on God’s grace and redemption, even when we mess up. It’s a reminder that God’s plan is bigger than our mistakes, and He can use even our failures for His glory.

Judas’s tale isn’t just about betrayal—it’s about choice, grace, and the opportunity for redemption. So, as we walk our own journeys of faith, let’s remember that even in our darkest moments, grace is always waiting to welcome us back. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and remember that He offers us a new beginning every single day.

And let’s not forget: the True King IS coming. Just not in the way WE want.  So, let’s be ready!

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