by F.J. Foster

Created on: April 14, 2010

When we address this topic, we should keep one thing in mind. As others have pointed out, we are not called to judge Judas Iscariot, or anyone else. At the same time, neither are we to wear blinders, such that we are unable to discern sin when we see it.

What Judas did, certainly no Christian is free to do. Yet, it is the province of God alone to judge. We all – Judas included – answer to God, and to Him only. With that in mind, we can at least look at some questions raised by Judas' actions, to see if he warrants sympathy in what we know as his betrayal of Jesus.

Was the betrayal of Jesus necessary in order to launch the chain of events that resulted in our salvation?

No. Judas was never forced or called to betray Jesus. Had Judas not betrayed Him, Jesus would have been taken anyway. If you read the Gospel of John, you find that Jesus twice identified Himself to the mob. Judas was with them, but John never even mentions the betrayal kiss. That doesn't mean it didn't happen, only that John didn't mention it. Kiss or no kiss, the mob was out for blood, and Jesus made it clear who he was. Judas did what he did because he freely chose to do it.

But what about the Old Testament prophecies? How could they be fulfilled if Judas didn't do what he did?

Here is a case of putting the horse before the cart. God, in His omniscience, knew what would happen. As a result, He inspired the prophecies that foretold it. Judas didn't have to betray Jesus to fulfill the prophecies. The prophecies came because God knew what Judas would do. Prophecy is given because an event will happen. That event doesn't happen because it was prophesied.

If Judas wasn't chosen to betray Jesus, why did Jesus say it would be better for His betrayer not to have been born than to betray the Son of Man?

Jesus' words have nothing to do with Judas being chosen to betray Him. Jesus said what He did because He knew what Judas would do after the betrayal. Rather than repent and seek forgiveness, which was freely available to Judas, he instead went straight out and hanged himself. Had he chosen otherwise, Judas would have been in the same position as Peter, whose own denials were a form of betrayal. The difference was that Peter repented and sought forgiveness. Judas did not, and Jesus' words about His betrayer hold true for everyone. It would be better for anyone that he or she were not born than that they reject Jesus.

Well, what about the Gospel of Judas? Couldn't it be true?

No. The

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>