Topical Bible: Murder: Judas

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Introduction

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is a central figure in the New Testament narrative concerning the betrayal and subsequent crucifixion of Jesus. His actions are often associated with the concept of murder, as his betrayal directly led to the arrest and execution of Jesus. This entry explores the biblical account of Judas's betrayal, his motivations, and the theological implications of his actions.

Biblical Account

Judas Iscariot is introduced in the Gospels as one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. Despite his privileged position, Judas's heart was not aligned with the mission of Christ. The Gospel of John provides insight into Judas's character, noting his role as the keeper of the money bag and his tendency towards theft: "He was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it" (John 12:6).

The pivotal moment in Judas's narrative is his decision to betray Jesus. The Gospels recount that Judas went to the chief priests and agreed to deliver Jesus to them in exchange for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of betrayal is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically Zechariah 11:12-13, which speaks of the thirty pieces of silver.

During the Last Supper, Jesus foretold his betrayal, identifying Judas as the betrayer: "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me" (Matthew 26:23). Despite this revelation, Judas proceeded with his plan, leading a group of soldiers to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he identified Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49).

Motivations and Theological Implications

The motivations behind Judas's betrayal have been the subject of much theological debate. Some suggest that Judas was motivated by greed, as indicated by his willingness to betray Jesus for money. Others propose that Judas may have been disillusioned with Jesus's refusal to establish a political kingdom, as some Jews expected the Messiah to do.

From a theological perspective, Judas's actions are often viewed as a manifestation of human sinfulness and the rejection of divine grace. His betrayal is seen as a necessary part of God's redemptive plan, leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In this sense, Judas's actions, while evil, were used by God to bring about the salvation of humanity.

Aftermath and Legacy

The aftermath of Judas's betrayal is marked by his deep remorse and tragic end. Realizing the gravity of his actions, 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 repentance did not lead to redemption, and he ultimately took his own life (Matthew 27:5).

Judas's legacy is one of infamy, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, betrayal, and the rejection of Christ. His name has become synonymous with treachery, and his account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 27:4
Saying, 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

And Judas Iscariot
... of Luke and the third to the sixth verses we read that Satan entered into Judas. ...
sins, but finally he has control and then betrayal, denial and murder are the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/and judas iscariot.htm

'Is it I?'
... Love of money is not a rare feeling, but it led Judas to betray Jesus. Anger is
thought to be scarcely a sin at all, but it often moves an arm to murder. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/is it i.htm

Adoption
... As wicked men are led by the evil spirit - the spirit of Satan led Herod to incest,
Ahab to murder, Judas to treason - so the good Spirit leads God's children ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

Tenth Commandment
... Again: Covetousness tempts us into violation of the sixth commandment, or murder.
Recall how Judas' love of money lured him into the betrayal of his Divine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Sixth Commandment
... bearer, Ahithophel, Zimri and Judas Iscariot are the five cases. Look at the references
in the Bible to see what kind of men they were. OTHER KINDS OF MURDER. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

The Maccabees.
... Judas gained a victory, and wrote to entreat the alliance and protection of the ... rightful
cause: but a wicked rebel named Trypho, who designed the murder of his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

Fate of the Enemies of Jesus.
... countries to brand upon their tombs the murder of John the Baptist. [Footnote 1:
Jos., Ant., XVIII. vii.1, 2; BJ, II. ix.6.]. As to the wretched Judas of Kerioth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxvii fate of the.htm

The Judges Said: He Has Given Demonstration Enough of the Origin ...
... Cain, on the other hand, he effected the beginning of murder, introducing himself ...
Judas became his father, since he conceived him indeed, though he miscarried ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/33 the judges said he.htm

How Cyrenius was Sent by Caesar to Make a Taxation Of
... alleviate our pains; there were also very great robberies and murder of our ... which
these men occasioned by their thus conspiring together; for Judas and Sadduc ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how cyrenius was.htm

This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin
... Bitter were thy nails, and sharp; bitter thy tongue, which thou didst whet; bitter
was Judas, to whom thou ... Alas for the new wickedness of the new murder! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v this is he who.htm