Judas Iscariot, A Faithful Follower Fallen, or a Tare Planted from the Beginning?

Brent Smith

             Judas was chosen by Jesus from the disciples to be an apostle (Luke 6:13-16). To the apostles, including Judas Iscariot, Jesus gave power “against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1). This is an important fact, for, a little later, when Jesus cast out demons, the Pharisees accuse Him of doing so by the power of Beelzebub or the Devil (Matthew 12:24). Jesus’ response is that the Devil does not work against himself, by casting out demons. Therefore, at one time, Judas was not working on the Devil’s side, but God’s. Judas was a saved man. He was a disciple of Jesus; an apostle, who warred against the devil, serving the Lord.

            Judas was not a tare from the beginning, planted by Satan in the Lord’s field. However, his fall was steady and tragic. The apostle John said Judas was a thief (John 12:6). In fact, money played a part in his betrayal of Jesus (Mark 14:10-11). Jesus called him a demon (John 6:70). All of this happened because Judas gave place to the devil: “The entered Satan into Judas…” and “...the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him” (Luke 22:3; John 13:2).

            Judas allowed his own heart to become more and more calloused, for he sought opportunity to betray Jesus, and did so for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), and ultimately betrayed the Lamb of God with a  kiss (Matthew 26:47-50). When his actions were made public, Judas was overcome with worldly sorrow (Matthew 27:1-9). Having been “caught,” with reputation stained, and innocent blood on his hands, Judas hanged himself.

 Points of Application:

1. A man who witnessed the love and compassion of Christ, sold Him out. A man who knew of Jesus’ power and might, betrayed Him for money. It could happen to you, if you gave the devil a place in your heart.

2. There are two kinds of sorrow, the sorrow of the world and godly sorrow (2Corinthians 7:10). Peter betrayed Jesus and wept bitterly because of what he had done. Judas was sorry for himself.

3. Finally, the taking of his own life was the ultimate “burning of bridges.” There were no more second chances for Judas to make amends after he killed himself. Consider the patriarch Job, who, in all his sufferings, in spite of his own death wish, kept living. Today, when we suffer the consequences of our own sins, it is best to follow the pattern of Peter who, in contrition, repented, and served God faithfully, even as a martyr.