Character Study Of Judas Iscariot Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JUDAS ISCARIOT – BETRAYED JESUS FOR THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 26:14-16

"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 deliver Him to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over."

Supporting Texts: John 12:4-6, Matthew 27:3-5, Acts 1:16-20, Psalm 41:9

INTRODUCTION:

Judas Iscariot is one of the most tragic figures in the Bible. He was chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve disciples, yet he betrayed his Master for thirty pieces of silver. His life is a warning about greed, hypocrisy, and the consequences of rejecting true repentance. Despite walking closely with Jesus and witnessing His miracles, Judas allowed Satan to enter his heart, leading to his downfall.

1. JUDAS WAS ONE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES

a) He was personally chosen by Jesus (Luke 6:12-16)

Judas was given the same opportunity as the other disciples.

b) He had access to Jesus’ teachings and miracles (Matthew 10:1-4)

He witnessed Jesus' power firsthand.

c) He was entrusted with responsibilities (John 13:29)

He handled the money for the group.

d) He participated in ministry work (Mark 6:7-13)

He preached, healed, and cast out demons like the others.

e) Biblical Example: The other disciples, like Peter and John, were also chosen and served alongside Judas (Mark 3:13-19).

2. JUDAS HAD A LOVE FOR MONEY

a) He was in charge of the disciples’ money bag (John 12:6)

He had access to financial resources.

b) He was dishonest and stole from the treasury (John 12:6)

His heart was already corrupt before the betrayal.

c) He valued money over loyalty to Christ (Matthew 26:14-16)

He agreed to betray Jesus for silver.

d) He saw money as more important than worship (John 12:4-5)

He criticised Mary for anointing Jesus instead of selling the perfume.

e) Biblical Example: Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, also loved money and was cursed for his greed (2 Kings 5:20-27).

3. JUDAS BETRAYED JESUS FOR THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER

a) He plotted with the chief priests (Matthew 26:14-16)

He looked for the right moment to betray Jesus.

b) He identified Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49)

He used a sign of friendship to carry out his betrayal.

c) He regretted his actions but did not repent (Matthew 27:3-4)

He confessed to the priests but did not seek forgiveness from Jesus.

d) He returned the money, but it was too late (Matthew 27:5)

The priests refused to take it back.

e) Biblical Example: Delilah betrayed Samson for money, leading to his capture (Judges 16:18-20).

4. JUDAS' BETRAYAL LED TO HIS TRAGIC END

a) He realised the severity of his actions too late (Matthew 27:3-4)

He felt remorse but not godly repentance.

b) He tried to undo his betrayal (Matthew 27:5)

He threw the money back to the priests.

c) He died by suicide (Matthew 27:5, Acts 1:18)

Overcome by guilt, he took his own life.

d) His position was given to another (Acts 1:20-26)

Matthias was chosen to replace him among the apostles.

e) Biblical Example: Ahithophel, David’s counsellor, also betrayed his master and later hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23).

5. JUDAS FULFILLED PROPHECY UNWILLINGLY

a) His betrayal was foretold in the Old Testament (Psalm 41:9)

“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”

b) Jesus knew he would betray Him (John 13:21-27)

Jesus warned him during the Last Supper.

c) His actions fulfilled prophecy but were still his choice (Matthew 26:24-25)

Jesus said, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.”

d) His money was used to buy the Potter’s Field (Acts 1:18-19)

This fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jeremiah 32:6-9).

e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh’s hardened heart also fulfilled God’s plan, but he was still responsible for his choices (Exodus 9:12-16).

STRENGTHS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT

a) He was chosen as one of the twelve (Luke 6:13-16)

Jesus saw potential in him.

b) He had access to Jesus' teachings (Mark 3:14)

He heard the words of eternal life.

c) He was entrusted with the finances (John 12:6)

He had responsibility among the disciples.

d) He had the opportunity to repent (John 13:26-27)

Jesus gave him a chance, but he refused.

e) His story serves as a warning to others (Matthew 26:24)

His life teaches the dangers of greed and hypocrisy.

WEAKNESSES OF JUDAS ISCARIOT

a) He loved money more than Jesus (John 12:6)

He stole from the money bag.

b) He was hypocritical (John 12:4-5)

He pretended to care for the poor.

c) He was easily influenced by Satan (Luke 22:3-4)

The devil entered him to betray Jesus.

d) He betrayed his Master for a small price (Matthew 26:15)