Introduction:
Jesus had just said that blessedness comes through obedience, v. 17, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Now He added that there would be no blessedness for one of the disciples.
His selection of Judas was not an accident or a failure in God’s plan. The Lord knew very well what He was doing when came to this earth and He knew the Father’s will.
A. His choice was a deliberate choice, John 6:70-71, “Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.”
1. Jesus’ call to the twelve was not to salvation, but to service, 1 Corinthians 7:22-23, “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”
2. The Lord knew what the service of Judas would be, John 13:2, 27, “And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; 27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. “
B. His choice fulfilled the Scriptures, Psalm 41:9, “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.”
1. Judas was a tragic figure, influenced by Satan; yet he was responsible for his own evil choices, John 12:4-6, “Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.”
2. Judas had “lifted up his heal against” the Lord, John 13:18, “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.”
A. David was betrayed by his friend and counselor, 2 Samuel 16:21, “And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.”
1. At the time of Absalom’s revolt Ahithophel deserted David, Psalm 55:12-14,“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.”
2. However, David was aware of his betrayer as Jesus was aware of Judas’ intentions, 2 Samuel 15:31, “And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
B. So Judas, Jesus’ close companion, betrayed Him, Matthew 26:48-49, “Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.”
1. Judas had asked at the supper, “Master, is it I?” Matthew 26:25, “Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.”
2. At the Lord’s betrayal Jesus showed His love for Judas even then, Matthew 26:50, “And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”
a. Jesus would teach us under the greatest provocation TO FORBEAR (TO REFRAIN FROM; TO AVOID)…
1) Bitterness, Psalm 73:21, “Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.”
2) Evil-speaking, Psalm 64:3, “Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:”
3) But rather, to show meekness, Psalm 37:11, “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”
b. Jesus “calls him friend, because he furthered his sufferings, and so befriended him; whereas, he called Peter Satan for attempting to HINDER HIM—M. Henry
C. Judas Iscariot fulfilled Scripture and glorified the Son of God without knowing it, John 13:31-32, “Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.”
The Lord in His sovereignty chose the men He needed to accomplish the Father’s will. Judas Iscariot was chosen with the rest and had the same opportunities, as did the other twelve Apostles, to know Jesus Christ as Savior.
However, Judas did not trust the Lord as his Savior and ultimately betrayed the Lord for 30 pieces of silver fulfilling the Word of God, Zechariah 11:12-13, “And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. 13 And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.”