Judas betrayed Jesus simply because he did not know who Jesus was. Even though Jesus had shown them signs and told them things about Himself and God, Judas did not realize that Jesus was God's son - the Messiah. If he had known who Jesus really was, Judas would not have betrayed him, and the Word is very clear in its perception of how Judas reacted when he learned the truth.

Judas' actions were prophesied in the old testament, not so much to predict his works, but to demonstrate the events that would verify the authenticity of Christ.

Matthew 27:9 says, Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value.

Why Judas? Jesus selected his disciples very carefully. He had the mind of God and was filled with the Holy Spirit so He was not mistaken when He chose Judas. He knew Judas' heart and so despite the fact that Judas was a thief, He called him to become one of His disciples. And Judas followed Him and was encouraged by Him and loved Him, but never truly understood that Jesus was the Son of God. He was tempted by the world again and became part of a conspiracy plan to capture Jesus. He loved Jesus as far as he knew Him, but was easily persuaded back into his old lifestyle, just as many people are today.

John (12:4-6) says that Judas was a thief before he became a disciple, and that his desire to continue as such never changed afterwards.

We know that Jesus shared many personal things about God and Heaven with all His disciples. Together they witnessed the miracles including the feeding of the multitudes and raising Lazarus from the dead. Judas was included in the mission where Jesus sent them out in pairs.

At the last supper, Jesus revealed to His disciples that He would soon be betrayed and crucified. We know that Judas had a compassion for Jesus because he chose to remain part of His ministry for those years. And when he dipped his bread with Jesus at that last meal, their eyes met and we can almost feel the remorse that Judas feels for what he's about to do, but old tactics had come forth within him and he was willing to betray his friend for money.

The turning point for Judas came in the garden when Jesus was captured. Was it the miracle of Jesus healing the soldier's ear after Peter cut it off that convinced him that Jesus was the Son of God? Or was it was looking into

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