Topical Encyclopedia Judas Iscariot stands as one of the most infamous figures in the New Testament, primarily known for his betrayal of Jesus Christ. His actions are often cited as a profound example of injustice, as he delivered the innocent Son of God into the hands of those who sought His death.Background and Role as a Disciple Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. His surname, "Iscariot," likely indicates his place of origin, Kerioth, a town in Judea. As a disciple, Judas was entrusted with the group's finances, serving as the treasurer. The Gospel of John notes, "He was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it" (John 12:6). This detail foreshadows his later betrayal, suggesting a character flaw that would lead to his infamous act of injustice. The Betrayal The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is a pivotal event in the Gospels. Judas agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, fulfilling the prophecy found in Zechariah 11:12-13. The Gospel of Matthew records, "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?' So they set out for him thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-15). Judas's betrayal was premeditated and calculated, as he sought an opportunity to hand Jesus over when no crowd was present. This act of treachery was not only a personal injustice against Jesus but also a violation of the trust and fellowship shared among the disciples. The Last Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane During the Last Supper, Jesus openly acknowledged the impending betrayal, saying, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me" (Matthew 26:21). Despite this revelation, Judas proceeded with his plan. Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas identified Jesus to the arresting soldiers with a kiss, a gesture of friendship and respect, thus compounding the injustice with an act of deceit. Aftermath and Remorse The consequences of Judas's betrayal were severe, leading to the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. Overcome with guilt, Judas attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests, declaring, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his remorse did not lead to repentance, and in despair, Judas took his own life. The chief priests used the returned silver to buy the potter's field, fulfilling another prophecy (Matthew 27:5-10). Theological Implications Judas's betrayal raises significant theological questions about free will, predestination, and the nature of sin. While his actions fulfilled prophetic Scripture, Judas acted of his own volition, highlighting the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. His account serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of greed and betrayal, as well as the profound injustice that can arise from a heart turned away from God. Legacy Judas Iscariot's name has become synonymous with betrayal and treachery. His actions serve as a cautionary tale within Christian teaching, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and the dire consequences of turning away from Christ. The injustice perpetrated by Judas underscores the gravity of sin and the need for redemption, themes central to the Christian Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 27:4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see you to that. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether the Sin of those who Crucified Christ was Most Grievous? Concerning the Successors of Judas, who were Jonathan and Simon ... The Arrest Jesus' Unrequited Friendships. On Feast Days and Fast Days. The Traitor Whether God the Father Delivered up Christ to the Passion? The Last Supper. His Passion and Crucifixion. Persecution in the First Centuries. Resources What is black liberation theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about anger? | GotQuestions.org Was it unfair for God to allow Job to suffer over what was basically an argument between God and Satan? | GotQuestions.org Injustice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Injustice of the Least Kind, Condemned Injustice: A Bad Example Leads To Injustice: Covetousness Leads To Injustice: General Scriptures Concerning Injustice: God: Approves not of Injustice: God: Hears the Cry of Those Who Suffer Injustice: God: Provoked to Avenge Injustice: Intemperance Leads To Injustice: Saints should Bear, Patiently Injustice: Saints should Take No Vengeance For Injustice: Saints should Testify Against Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: Servants Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: The Poor Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: The Stranger and Fatherless Injustice: The Wicked: Deal With Injustice: The Wicked: Judge With Injustice: The Wicked: Practise, Without Shame Related Terms |
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