How Could Judas Turn Against Jesus?

Q: Judas has always been a mystery to me. How could someone who had been one of Jesus’ closest disciples turn against Him? It doesn’t make any sense. — H.G.

A: No, it doesn’t make sense — and yet that’s precisely what Judas Iscariot did, by deliberately betraying Jesus to His enemies for 30 pieces of silver.

Why did he do it? During Jesus’ final days in Jerusalem large crowds gathered to hear Him, and His enemies were afraid a riot might break out if they attempted to arrest Him publically. As a result, they knew they had to arrest Him privately — but they didn’t know where to find Him, since each night He and His disciples slipped away to a secret location outside the city. That’s why they were delighted when Judas privately went to them and offered to lead the soldiers to Him. Afterward, realizing the horror of what he’d done, Judas took his own life.

But again, why did he do it? Greed may be one reason; the Bible tells us that as the treasurer of Jesus’ little band of disciples, Judas often stole money from them. Disappointment may be another reason; Judas may have yearned for power and prestige, but became disillusioned when Jesus refused to become a king. In reality, however, Judas will always be something of a mystery to us.

But the deeper reason is that although he was outwardly committed to Jesus, in his heart Judas remained rebellious and unbelieving — and thus he opened himself to Satan’s lies and temptations. He is a tragic illustration of the Bible’s solemn warning: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV). Learn from Judas’ sad example, and don’t let anything keep you from faithfully following Christ. Instead, stay firm in your commitment to Him.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.