Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, is often cited as the quintessential example of hypocrisy in the Bible. His life and actions serve as a stark warning against duplicity and betrayal, particularly within the context of a close relationship with the Lord.

Background and Role as an Apostle

Judas Iscariot was selected by Jesus to be one of His twelve disciples, a position of great honor and responsibility. As an apostle, Judas was entrusted with the group's finances, acting as the treasurer (John 12:6). Despite his close proximity to Jesus and the teachings he received, Judas harbored a deceitful heart, which ultimately led to his infamous betrayal.

The Betrayal

The most significant act of hypocrisy committed by Judas was his betrayal of Jesus Christ. Despite outwardly appearing as a loyal follower, Judas secretly conspired with the chief priests to hand Jesus over to them. The Gospel of Matthew records this treacherous act: "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" (Matthew 26:14-15).

Judas's betrayal was premeditated and calculated, as he sought personal gain at the expense of his Master. His actions fulfilled the prophecy found in Zechariah 11:12-13, which speaks of the thirty pieces of silver, the price of betrayal.

The Hypocritical Kiss

Judas's hypocrisy reached its peak during the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He identified Jesus to the arresting soldiers with a kiss, a gesture typically associated with love and respect. "Going directly to Jesus, he said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed Him" (Matthew 26:49). This act of feigned affection underscored the depth of Judas's duplicity.

Consequences and Remorse

The consequences of Judas's hypocrisy were severe. After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas was filled with remorse. He attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests, confessing, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his repentance was not genuine, as it lacked true faith and a turning back to God. Overcome with despair, Judas ultimately took his own life (Matthew 27:5).

Legacy and Lessons

Judas Iscariot's legacy is one of caution against the dangers of hypocrisy and the love of money. His life serves as a reminder that outward appearances can be deceiving and that true discipleship requires sincerity and faithfulness. The Apostle Paul warns against such duplicity, urging believers to "love without hypocrisy" (Romans 12:9).

Judas's account is a sobering example of how close proximity to the truth does not guarantee a transformed heart. His life and actions continue to be a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine faith and integrity in the Christian walk.Matthew 26:49
And immediately he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

And Judas Iscariot
... For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him ...
stones, nor with the thief on the Cross, but when he faces hypocrites; he can ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/and judas iscariot.htm

An Epistle on Charity.
... him, and desirest his amending, not only with thy mouth as hypocrites do, but ... Look
and bethink thee how Christ loved Judas, who was both His bodily enemy and a ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/an epistle on charity.htm

Explanation of "Corban. "
... word of God through their own tradition, and were accused by the Saviour as hypocrites. ...
things, but also that which is recorded about the traitor Judas, who in ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/9 explanation of corban.htm

The King's Farewell
... There are two sorts of hypocrites, the conscious and the unconscious; and there
are ten ... measure of the fathers.' They are like the other command to Judas to do ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the kings farewell.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... Judas no doubt could make an elegant oration. Hypocrites have come into God's
church loaded with the Egyptian gold of human learning. ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

The Life of Mr. Walter Mill.
... I know I must die once, and therefore as Christ said to Judas, What thou ... to him to
recant, to whom he answered, "I marvel at your rage, ye hypocrites, who do ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr walter.htm

The Murderous Rejection.
... Before all the crowds He calls them hypocrites. It's a sharp clash and break. ... It
is one of the disciples, Judas, who protests indignantly against such waste. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the murderous rejection.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... When a favorable opportunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those who
for their ... Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evil ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... When a favorable opportunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those who
for ... Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evildoers. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

The Final Unmasking.
... for most of us the question is, are we growing less or more of such hypocrites? ... Do
not imagine Judas the only man of whom the Lord would say, 'Better were it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the final unmasking.htm

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