Topical Bible: Hypocrisy: Judas

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Introduction

Hypocrisy, a term denoting the act of pretending to have beliefs, virtues, or feelings that one does not truly possess, is a recurring theme in the Bible. One of the most poignant examples of hypocrisy is found in the life of Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Judas's actions and ultimate betrayal of Jesus serve as a stark illustration of hypocrisy in the New Testament.

Judas Iscariot: The Betrayer

Judas Iscariot is infamously known for betraying Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver. Despite being one of the chosen twelve apostles, Judas's heart was not aligned with the teachings and mission of Jesus. His hypocrisy is evident in his outward appearance of loyalty and devotion, which masked his inner greed and deceit.

The Pretense of Concern

One of the clearest examples of Judas's hypocrisy is found in the account of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. In John 12:4-6 , Judas criticizes Mary's actions, saying, "Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" The passage reveals his true motives: "He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it." Judas's feigned concern for the poor was a cover for his own avarice.

The Betrayal

Judas's ultimate act of hypocrisy culminates in his betrayal of Jesus. In Matthew 26:14-16 , Judas approaches the chief priests and asks, "What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?" They agree to pay him thirty pieces of silver, and from that moment, Judas seeks an opportunity to betray Jesus. Despite having witnessed Jesus's miracles and teachings, Judas's heart was hardened, and he chose to betray the Son of God for monetary gain.

The Hypocritical Kiss

The betrayal is marked by a hypocritical act of affection. In Matthew 26:48-49 , Judas identifies Jesus to the arresting soldiers with a kiss, saying, "Greetings, Rabbi!" This kiss, a symbol of friendship and respect, is used deceitfully to hand Jesus over to His enemies. Jesus responds in Matthew 26:50 , "Friend, do what you came for." This moment underscores the depth of Judas's hypocrisy, as he uses a gesture of love to commit an act of treachery.

The Aftermath

The consequences of Judas's hypocrisy are severe. Overcome with remorse, Judas attempts to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, confessing, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his repentance is not genuine, and in despair, he takes his own life (Matthew 27:5). Judas's tragic end serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of hypocrisy and the importance of genuine faith and integrity.

Conclusion

Judas Iscariot's life and actions provide a profound biblical example of hypocrisy. His account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of duplicity and the importance of aligning one's heart with one's outward actions. Through Judas, the Bible warns against the perils of pretending to be something one is not, especially in matters of faith and devotion.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:25,48
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said to him, You have said.
Nave's Topical Index

John 12:5,6
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Apostle Judas
... He warned them of the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy, that secret ... In
many besides the last of these, Judas must have felt himself sternly because ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 19 the apostle judas.htm

Perseverance
... strength begets steadfastness.2ndly. Take heed of hypocrisy. Judas was
first a sly hypocrite, and then a traitor. Their heart was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him
... to hypocrisy overacting its part, but to a struggle with conscience and ancient
affection, and a fierce determination to do the thing and have it over. Judas ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the captive christ and the.htm

And Judas Iscariot
... The story of Judas is like this. ... Certain things might be said concerning
hypocrisy, for he was in the truest sense a hypocrite. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/and judas iscariot.htm

The New Passover
... Apostles, which, in the Greek, are cast in a form that anticipates a negative answer:
'Surely not I?' Mark omits the audacious hypocrisy of Judas's question in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the new passover.htm

The Traitor
... religion without devotion is the mockery of honest worldlings; that hypocrisy goes
so ... Moreover it must be observed that the guilt of Judas, however awful, is ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 10-16 the traitor.htm

Finger-Posts
... One's lips refuse to repeat the word "Judas" of them, even in the inner thoughts. ...
The word "hypocrisy" is a very hard one to get out at the lips. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/finger-posts.htm

The Sop
... sat and were eating" that the oppression of the traitor's hypocrisy became intolerable ...
Every attempt to mitigate the treason of Judas, every suggestion that he ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 17-21 the sop.htm

The Feast at Simon's House
... But the look which Jesus cast upon Judas convinced him that the Saviour penetrated
his hypocrisy, and read his base, contemptible character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 62 the feast at.htm

The Final Unmasking.
... Are we fighting the evil thing which is our temptation to hypocrisy? ... Do not imagine
Judas the only man of whom the Lord would say, 'Better were it for that man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the final unmasking.htm