How can we reconcile Jesus choosing Judas, knowing he would become a traitor? The tension in Luke 6:16 • “...and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” (Luke 6:16) • Jesus personally selected Judas despite knowing “from the beginning… who would betray Him” (John 6:64). • How do we hold together Christ’s perfect knowledge, His sinless character, and the reality of Judas’ betrayal? Christ’s sovereign, informed choice • Omniscience on display – John 6:70: “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” – Nothing about Judas caught Jesus off guard; the choice was deliberate, never mistaken. • Divine purpose behind the choice – Acts 2:23: Jesus was “delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge.” – The betrayal was woven into the redemptive storyline before creation (1 Peter 1:20). • Scripture cannot be broken – Psalm 41:9; John 13:18 show Judas fulfilling prophecy. – Jesus’ selection of Judas guaranteed these promises would come true without forcing Judas to sin. Human responsibility remains intact • Judas acted freely – John 12:6 hints at a pattern: “he was a thief.” Betrayal flowed from a corrupt heart (James 1:14-15). • Accountability emphasized – Matthew 26:24: “woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” • God’s sovereignty never nullifies moral choice; it ensures His plan succeeds even through wicked decisions (Genesis 50:20). Why include a traitor among the Twelve? • To fulfill messianic prophecy precisely (John 17:12). • To model patience and love toward enemies (Matthew 5:44). Jesus washed Judas’ feet (John 13:5). • To expose unbelief even in the most privileged settings (Hebrews 3:12). • To accomplish the cross—the central act of salvation (Romans 5:8). God’s character vindicated • Holy: He never authors sin (James 1:13). • Wise: He uses evil without being evil (Romans 11:33-36). • Faithful: Every promise about Messiah’s sufferings came true (Luke 24:25-27). Practical take-aways • Christ understands betrayal and offers compassion to the betrayed (Hebrews 4:15-16). • Proximity to Jesus is not the same as faith in Jesus; examine the heart (2 Corinthians 13:5). • God remains in control when evil surfaces; He turns it for good (Romans 8:28). |
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