Judas Iscariot - The Man Who Betrayed Jesus.

We read this in John 13:11, 18-19 .

"For he [Jesus] knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, 'Not all of you are clean'" (v. 11).

"I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he" (John 13:18-19).

We also know that Jesus was well aware of Judas's intentions because of what we read in John 13:27 - "Jesus said to him [Judas], 'What you are going to do, do quickly.'" This isn't the first time in John's gospel that we read about how Jesus knew from the beginning that Judas would betray him.

"Jesus answered them, 'Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.' He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him" (John 6:71).

When John writes about Judas, he referred to him as

(a) a thief - John 12:6;

(b) betrayer -John 18:2, 5;

(c) possessed by the devil - John 13:27; or

(d) the son of perdition – someone lost in hell -John 17:12.

John’s gospel was written fifty plus years after Christ’s death and resurrection and it seems as if he could not find enough words to describe Judas as an evil person.

I would like to take some time and explore Judas’ life and consider a few thoughts about false disciples like Judas.

I. Judas as a false disciple.

A. He was recognized with the others. Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James … Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Judas was numbered with the other disciples. He had traveled with them… talked with them … lived with them! People recognized him as one of Christ’s followers.

B. He was familiar with the routine - John 18:1 After Jesus had said these things, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and He and His disciples went into it. Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with His disciples. So Judas took a * company of soldiers and some temple police from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

When it came time to betray Christ, Judas knew exactly where to find Him! Judas had been with Jesus and the others in this place several times before. He knew where to go!

C. He Know The Plan - Mark 3:14 And he appointed twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Judas was “appointed ” by Jesus. This word has the idea of training. Jesus took the twelve and made them ready for the mission He was about to send them to accomplish. Judas witnessed the character and compassion of Christ. He heard Jesus’ words and saw His works. Judas hardened his heart against every attempt of the Lord to reach him. Imagine the miracles that Judas witnessed, consider the sermons that he heard from Jesus, think of all of those intimate conversations that Christ had with His disciples....Judas knew the plan of salvation, Judas was present with the Messiah for over 3 years!!!