Why did Jesus choose Judas Iscariot as a disciple knowing he would betray Him? Historical and Scriptural Context John 6:70–71 – “Jesus answered them, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.” Jesus called Judas at the same time He summoned the other eleven (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). Judas was entrusted with the common purse (John 12:6), preached the kingdom, cast out demons (Mark 6:7-13), and witnessed every miracle from the calming of the sea (Mark 4:35-41) to the raising of Lazarus (John 11). Scripture presents him as fully integrated into the apostolic band until the moment he yielded to Satan (Luke 22:3). Prophetic Fulfillment 1. Psalm 41:9 – “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, the one who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” 2. Psalm 55:12-14; 20-21 – betrayal by a companion, fulfilled in Judas’s kiss (Luke 22:47-48). 3. Zechariah 11:12-13 – thirty pieces of silver, fulfilled in Matthew 27:3-10. Acts 1:16, 20 affirms that Judas’s fall occurred “to fulfill the Scripture.” Jesus elected Judas so that every Messianic prophecy—including betrayal by a trusted friend—would be brought to completion, verifying His identity and the unity of God’s redemptive plan (Luke 24:25-27, 44). Demonstration of Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge John 13:18-19 – “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that I AM He.” Christ’s advance knowledge underscores divine omniscience; yet Judas acts of his own volition (John 13:27). By choosing Judas, Jesus reveals that God’s sovereignty and human responsibility converge without contradiction: “The Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him” (Luke 22:22). Necessity for the Redemptive Mission Isaiah 53 depicts Messiah handed over, “cut off out of the land of the living” (v. 8). The betrayal precipitates the arrest, trials, and crucifixion by which the atonement is accomplished (Romans 5:8-9; 1 Peter 2:24). Jesus therefore selects Judas as a willing instrument so that the cross occurs “at the exact time set by the Father” (Galatians 4:4). Authenticity and Integrity of the Apostolic Witness Including a traitor strengthens the historical credibility of the Gospels. The “criterion of embarrassment” argues that early Christian authors would not invent a faithless apostle who damned himself (Matthew 27:5; Acts 1:25). Early papyri (𝔓^66 c. AD 175–200 for John; 𝔓^45 c. AD 200 for Mark and Luke) already contain the betrayal narratives virtually as we read them today, attesting that the episode is original, not legendary accretion. Archaeological Corroboration • The Jerusalem “Akeldama” (Field of Blood) identified south of the Hinnom Valley matches Acts 1:18-19. First-century tombs and pottery unearthed there confirm continuous burial use, making Luke’s geographical reference historically precise. • Thirty Tyrian shekels—silver coins dated 30–33 AD—have been excavated in Judea; their consistent purity (94 % silver) accords with the priestly preference for temple transactions and fits Matthew 26:15. Moral Instruction and Warning Judas’s descent illustrates James 1:14-15: “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires…then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin.” Love of money (John 12:4-6; 1 Timothy 6:10), unrepentant hypocrisy, and demonic influence finally intersected. The lesson: proximity to truth does not equal submission to it; diligent self-examination is essential (2 Corinthians 13:5). Ecclesiological Teaching about False Professors Jesus foretold tares among wheat (Matthew 13:24-30) and wolves among sheep (Acts 20:29-30). Judas personifies these realities, preparing the church to confront internal apostasy (2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:18-19) while maintaining confidence that Christ’s mission prevails (Matthew 16:18). Theodicy: God Overrules Evil for Good Genesis 50:20—“You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good.” Judas’s treachery parallels Joseph’s brothers: malevolent intent becomes the vehicle of salvation for many (Acts 3:13-15). Thus, even the darkest human choices can be woven into God’s righteous purpose without making God the author of sin (Habakkuk 1:13). Free Will and Predestination Held in Tension Acts 4:27-28 – Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, and Judas gathered “to do what Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place.” Scripture affirms God’s decree yet never excuses the betrayer; Judas “fell away to go to his own place” (Acts 1:25). Divine foreknowledge does not coerce; it infallibly encompasses libertarian acts (Isaiah 46:9-10). Christological Revelation By selecting a betrayer, Jesus discloses His patience, meekness, and sacrificial love—washing Judas’s feet hours before the kiss (John 13:5, 11). This displays Romans 5:10: “While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son.” Pastoral and Missional Application 1. Guard the heart—spiritual privilege must be united to genuine faith. 2. Proclaim the cross—the very act of betrayal magnifies the grace that saves (Ephesians 2:8-9). 3. Persevere—Christ builds His church even through apparent setbacks. Conclusion Jesus chose Judas Iscariot to fulfill prophecy, advance the atonement, reveal divine attributes, warn the church, and vindicate the historical trustworthiness of the Gospel record. John 6:71 is thus a linchpin in demonstrating that every detail of Messiah’s life, death, and resurrection unfolded under sovereign design for the glory of God and the salvation of all who believe. |
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