Who was Judas Iscariot?
Here's the answer:
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He is the disciple who betrayed Jesus.
For all three years of Jesus’ earthly ministry, Judas Iscariot followed Jesus. He was the treasurer and would often steal by taking money out of the treasury (John 12:6). From this, we can see that Judas Iscariot was not a good person.
"Iscariot" is placed behind Judas’ name because it is his surname. There are two reasons behind this surname. One is that it comes from Kerioth, which is a city or town in Judaea. The other possible reason is that it refers to the Sicarii, who were assassins and associated with the Jewish rebels.
Judas was a lover of money. He loved money more than he loved Jesus. The chief priest paid him thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:13-15). Jesus knew what was going on (John 6:70). He knew the entire time what Judas was plotting. During the Last Supper, Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer (John 13:26).
Jesus, while washing the disciples’ feet, says that Judas is not "clean" (John 13:10-11). He was referring to how Judas had not been forgiven of his sins. This meant Judas was not saved. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, which was a sign to the guards to arrest Jesus. His betrayal fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy of Psalm 41:9. After the betrayal, Judas hangs himself (Matthew 27:5-8).
Bible Truth
"Even my close friend, someone I trusted, has failed me. I even shared my bread with him" (Psalm 41:9).
"Then Jesus replied, 'Didn’t I choose you, the 12 disciples? But one of you is a devil!'" (John 6:70).
"One of the 12 disciples went to the chief priests. His name was Judas Iscariot. He asked, 'What will you give me if I hand Jesus over to you?” So they counted out 30 silver coins for him'" (Matthew 26:14-15).
