In any discussion about Judas, the question arises as to whether Judas was bad, exemplified by his betrayal of Christ, or alternatively good, through his fulfilment of God's purposes by this same act of betrayal... someone had to do it, and it was clearly aligned with God's will.

Did Jesus select Judas as a disciple knowing that he was to be the betrayer?

I suspect that in the early stages of his ministry, Jesus did not know all of the intricate details of his mission on earth. This may sound a little bit controversial, but read on...

In my opinion, when God was incarnate in Jesus Christ, he had laid aside his Godhead' and so whilst still fully God, he walked the earth as a complete human being with all the frailties of humanity (except without sin). As a human being, Jesus had laid aside the privileges of Godhead, including his omniscience, (his all knowing' nature). This means that anything that he knew of his mission, he knew it as a human being through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. This is similar to the way in which we as Christians receive revelation from God except that in our case, it is far from perfect because it is clouded by our sinful nature, which of course Jesus did not have.

In practical terms this would mean that Jesus only knew that which his heavenly Father revealed to him through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and so I think that perhaps Jesus selected Judas as a disciple because he was guided to do so, unaware of Judas's future role. You may recall that before choosing his disciples, Jesus spent the night on a mountain in prayer (Luke 6v12-16).

Although we don't know how much Jesus knew of Judas' role, clearly as Jesus approached the last few days of his life, he was aware of what was going to happen. What amazes me about this, is that Jesus neither condemns nor resists Judas betrayal and if you remember, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, including even Judas. This speaks volumes to me about the unconditional love and service which Jesus offers to sinful human beings at their worst. That which was in Judas and caused him to betray Christ is also within all of us, and yet Christ's love is still extended unconditionally towards us.

It was recently suggested to me that Jesus entrusted Judas with the most difficult job of all. This is an interesting thought, and perhaps there is something profoundly significant in that. I still think though that Judas acted independently and of his own volition made the wrong choice, tempted by Satan, and influenced by an opportunity for self-gain. He was, we are told (John 12v4-6), a thief and would help himself to the common purse.

I do think that had Judas repented, he would have been restored in a similar way to Peter, however indications from Johns gospel are that this was not the case (John 17v12). Who knows though, there may be some surprises in store for us when we go through the pearly gates!

My disclaimer is that all this is simply my opinion and there are sure to be others!

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