JUDAS
IF JESUS KNEW THE BETRAYAL, WHY DID HE CHOOSE JUDAS AS AN APOSTLE?
From the beginning, Jesus knew who did not believe and who would betray Him. Despite this knowledge, He selected Judas Iscariot as one of His apostles. This decision carries profound meaning and lessons for Christians:
Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus chose Judas to fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s betrayal:
– Psalm 41:10: “Even my trusted friend, who ate my bread, has raised his heel against me.”
– Zechariah 11:12-13: This prophecy foretold the betrayal for thirty pieces of silver.
Jesus referenced these prophecies, emphasizing their fulfillment in His betrayal (Jn 13:18, 17:12). Peter also mentioned this in his speech after Jesus’ Ascension, linking the purchase of Akeldama to Psalm 69:26 and the replacement of Judas to Psalm 109:8 (Acts 1:20). The betrayal of Jesus by one of His closest disciples added to His mental and emotional suffering, fulfilling these prophecies and highlighting the extent of His sacrifice.
Free Will and Human Choice
Though Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, He still gave Judas the opportunity to follow Him. This underscores the importance of free will and human choice:
– Judas likely had genuine intentions initially when becoming a disciple. He was given the chance to know Jesus intimately and was allowed to drive out unclean spirits and cure diseases (Mt 10:1-2).
– Despite Jesus knowing about Judas’ worldly inclinations, He accommodated him because Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Mt 9:13).
Judas’ betrayal was ultimately his own choice, not a predetermined fate. Jesus taught about the dangers of storing up treasures on earth and emphasized the importance of spiritual wealth (Mt 6:19-21). Judas ignored these teachings, driven by his obsession with money.
Warnings and Chances for Repentance
Jesus provided Judas with multiple warnings and opportunities to repent:
1. After Many Disciples Left: When many disciples left Jesus after His teaching on the Holy Eucharist, He asked the apostles if they also wanted to leave. Jesus then mentioned that one of them was a devil, referring to Judas (Jn 6:66-71).
2. Washing of the Feet: During the washing of the apostles’ feet, Jesus said, “You are clean, but not all,” knowing who would betray Him (Jn 13:10-11).
3. At the Last Supper: Jesus directly stated that one of the apostles would betray Him. He identified Judas by giving him a morsel (Jn 13:21-27). Despite this, Judas proceeded with his plan.
Even when Judas came with soldiers to arrest Jesus, Jesus addressed him as “friend” (Mt 26:50). This compassionate approach might have prompted Judas to confess his sin, but instead, Judas fell into despair and regret (Mt 27:4). Unlike Peter, who repented after denying Jesus (Mt 26:75), Judas’ regret led to his downfall.
REFLECTION
The story of Judas provides significant spiritual lessons on sin and redemption:
– Vulnerability to Sin: Anyone can fall into sin if they ignore Christ’s teachings. Judas’ life is a stark reminder of this truth.
– Difference Between Regret and Repentance: Regret is a negative emotion that can lead to shame and self-destruction, while repentance is a positive step toward forgiveness and change.
– God’s Grace and Redemption: God’s grace offers multiple opportunities for repentance, but individuals must choose to accept it.
Jesus’ approach to Judas, even at the point of betrayal, demonstrates His unrevengeful and forgiving nature. This contrasts with Judas’ ultimate despair and self-destruction. Peter, despite his denial, found redemption through repentance.
Conclusion: Jesus’ inclusion of Judas as an apostle highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will. It fulfills prophecies and teaches crucial lessons about sin, redemption, and the importance of repentance. This story challenges believers to examine their own hearts, heed Christ’s teachings, and choose the narrow path of discipleship over worldly temptations.