Why did Jesus choose Judas if He knew he would betray Him, as stated in John 6:64? Scriptural Foundation: Christ’s Deliberate Choice of Judas “‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray Him” (John 6:64). John couples unbelief and betrayal with Christ’s foreknowledge. Earlier He said, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil” (John 6:70). Jesus’ selection of Judas, therefore, was intentional, informed, and purposeful. Prophetic Fulfillment in God’s Sovereign Plan 1. Psalm 41:9: “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” 2. Zechariah 11:12-13 foretells the thirty pieces of silver and the potter’s field (fulfilled in Matthew 27:3-10). 3. Acts 1:16 interprets Judas’ role as Scripture “had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas.” Christ’s choice guaranteed the fulfillment of these Messianic prophecies precisely and publicly, leaving no doubt that the crucifixion unfolded under divine orchestration, not human accident. Display of Christ’s Omniscience and Deity By keeping Judas close, Jesus continually displayed His divine omniscience. At the Last Supper He identified the betrayer in advance (John 13:18-27). Such foreknowledge confirms His deity (cf. Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24-25) and validates His claim, “I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I am He” (John 13:19). Necessity of Betrayal for the Atonement Isaiah 53 portrays the Suffering Servant delivered over to death. The legal authorities needed an insider to locate Jesus at night (Luke 22:6). Judas’ act supplied the proximate cause for the arrest, trial, and crucifixion “according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23). Without the betrayal, the timing of Passover typology—Christ as the Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)—would not align so precisely. Human Responsibility Preserved Jesus’ foreknowledge does not negate Judas’ moral agency. Judas chose theft (John 12:6), harbored satanic influence (Luke 22:3), and acted of his own volition (Matthew 26:14-16). Scripture balances divine sovereignty and human freedom: “The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays Him” (Luke 22:22). Typology: Judas as Foil and Warning • Contrast with Peter: both fail; one repents (Luke 22:62), one despairs (Matthew 27:5). • Foreshadowing Antichrist: betrayal from within the covenant community (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). • Object lesson for the church: proximity to Christ does not equal salvific faith (1 John 2:19). Discipleship and Pastoral Implications 1. Vigilance: false professors can occupy leadership roles (Acts 20:29-30). 2. Humility: the remaining Eleven ask, “Surely not I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:22). 3. Assurance: believers rest in Christ’s keeping power (John 17:12 except “the son of perdition”). Evangelistic Application Judas proves that mere exposure to truth is insufficient; regeneration is essential (John 3:3). His story confronts skeptics with a decision: will we, like Peter, turn back to Christ, or, like Judas, retreat into self-destructive autonomy? The empty tomb validates the only secure refuge—“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Conclusion Jesus chose Judas to fulfill prophecy, display omniscience, propel the atonement, warn the church, and magnify divine glory through human freedom’s tragic misuse. In sovereign love, God incorporated even betrayal into the redemptive tapestry so that all who believe might be saved (John 3:16). |
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