If you are a new Christian and you're starting to read the Bible, you might be a little confused about what happened to Judas. When I first started, I was more than a little concerned that a loving God would send ( or allow) Satan into an innocent man to fulfil prophecy.
John 13:27 "When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, 'Hurry and do what you're going to do.'"
Psalm 41:9 (Prophecy written by David) "Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me."
Matthew 26:14-16 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, "How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to You?" And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
Judas was fulfilling prophecy by betraying Jesus. It had to happen so Jesus could die for our sins and we could be saved. It was God's plan all along.
Matthew 27:3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders.
Matthew 27:5 Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.
So, what did Judas expect would happen when he betrayed Jesus?
When Judas joined Jesus he, as well as many others , misunderstood what Jesus' purpose was. He thought Jesus was going to overthrow Rome and be an earthly king. As treasurer, he believed that he would have a much different role in that "government". Judas was a greedy person.
Mark 14:3 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. The disciples, specifically Judas, did not like this!
Mark 14:4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked.
John 12:4-6 Specifically mentions Judas as the disciple that was upset about the perfume.
But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.
Jesus knew that Judas' greedy heart would never change. So, why did Jesus choose Judas as a disciple? Again, to fulfill scripture. Jesus loved Judas as much as the other disciples. Refer back to Psalms 41:9 where Judas is referred as Jesus' best friend. Jesus was saddened even though he knew it had to happen. Isn't this the perfect example of God's love and His commandment to us to love our enemies?! Jesus, knowing Judas was his enemy, still loved him!
When Judas went to the priests to betray Jesus, he may have been trying to force Jesus' hand. He didn't know Jesus would be crucified. Even though Jesus spoke of it many times to the disciples.
Judas' greed and desires put him in a position where Satan could manipulate him. When he realized Jesus was going to die after he betrayed him, he could've repented and been forgiven. But, instead he committed suicide in his grief.
Ezekiel 33:11 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord , I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?
You see, God does not want anyone to die. He gave us free will to choose Him and choose life. While it is sad that Judas died without repenting, it was his choice. God never chooses that for us.
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