Topical Encyclopedia The conscience of Judas Iscariot, following his betrayal of Jesus Christ, is a profound and tragic element within the Gospel narratives. Judas, one of the twelve apostles, is infamously known for betraying Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, an act that led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. The aftermath of this betrayal reveals a deep inner turmoil and remorse within Judas, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.Betrayal and Remorse Judas' betrayal is set in motion during the Last Supper, where Jesus, aware of the impending treachery, identifies Judas as the betrayer. In Matthew 26:14-16 , it is written: "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus." Following the betrayal, Judas' conscience is awakened to the gravity of his actions. Matthew 27:3-4 describes his remorse: "When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. 'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,' he said. 'What is that to us?' they replied. 'You bear the responsibility.'" The Weight of Guilt Judas' confession, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood," indicates a recognition of his moral failure and the innocence of Jesus. This acknowledgment of sin reflects a conscience stricken by guilt and regret. The chief priests' dismissive response, "What is that to us? You bear the responsibility," leaves Judas isolated in his guilt, without solace or redemption from those who had conspired with him. Despair and Tragic End The burden of guilt becomes unbearable for Judas, leading to his tragic end. Matthew 27:5 states: "So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself." This act of despair underscores the depth of Judas' internal conflict and the overwhelming nature of his remorse. The return of the silver signifies his rejection of the material gain obtained through his betrayal, yet it does not alleviate his conscience. Theological Reflections From a theological perspective, Judas' experience serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance. His account highlights the destructive power of unchecked ambition and greed, as well as the devastating effects of guilt when not met with genuine repentance and seeking of forgiveness. Judas' failure to seek reconciliation with God, despite his remorse, contrasts with the redemptive opportunities available through Christ's sacrifice. The narrative of Judas' conscience after betraying Jesus is a somber reminder of the human capacity for betrayal and the profound need for divine grace and forgiveness. His account is a poignant illustration of the spiritual peril of allowing sin to take root in one's heart, and the tragic outcome of failing to turn back to God in repentance. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:3-5Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Nave's Topical Index Library The Motives of Judas in Betraying Jesus. Judas Repentance John xiii. 1 Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Cause and Cure of a Wounded Spirit The Betrayal Of Evil Angels His Freedom from Sin. Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv. Resources What is the dispensation of Conscience? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.org Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander, and what does it mean that their faith was shipwrecked? | GotQuestions.org Conscience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conscience for Having Cut off Saul's Skirt Conscience for Having Numbered the People of Israel Conscience for his Adultery and the Murder of Uriah Conscience Money: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience of Adam and Eve, After They Sinned Conscience of Herod for Beheading John the Baptist Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau Conscience of Joab, for Numbering Israel Conscience of Joseph's Brethren Conscience of Judas, After Betraying the Lord Jesus Conscience of Micah, After Stealing Conscience of Others, not to be offended Conscience of Peter, After Denying the Lord Conscience of Pharaoh, After the Plagues Conscience of Saints, Pure and Good Conscience of the Lepers of Samaria Conscience of the Old Prophet of Beth-El Conscience of the Wicked, Defiled Conscience of the Wicked, Seared Conscience without Spiritual Illumination, a False Guide Conscience: Faithful of Abimelech, when he Took Isaac's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: Faithful of Daniel, in Refusing to Eat of the King's Meat and Wine Conscience: Faithful of Jacob, in his Care of Laban's Property Conscience: Faithful of Joseph, when Potiphar's Wife Tried to Seduce Him Conscience: Faithful of Nehemiah, in the Matter of Taxes Conscience: Faithful of Peter, in Declaring the Whole Counsel of God Conscience: Faithful of Pharaoh, when he Took Abraham's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience: Keep the Faith in Purity of Conscience: Ministers should Commend Themselves to That of Their People Conscience: Submit to Authority For Conscience: Suffer Patiently For Conscience: Testimony of, a Source of Joy Conscience: The Accusers of the Woman Taken in Adultery Conscience: The Blood of Christ Alone Can Purify Conscience: we should Have the Approval of Related Terms Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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