Articles
Why did Judas do what he did, and did he have a free choice?
The story of Judas is disturbing on many levels. Some have turned away from God altogether because of sympathy for Judas, the betrayer of Christ. Today the name Judas is synonymous with "betrayer" and someone who is a traitor, is often called a "Judas". It was such a common name that there was another disciple by that name and even one of Jesus' half-brothers bore that name (Mk. 6:3). We are introduced to Judas Iscariot, when Matthew, Mark and Luke include his name as one of the original 12 disciples. (Mt. 10:4; Mk. 3:19; Lk. 6:16)
In John's gospel we are told that he was the son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71;13:2, 26). We have no more information on his life before becoming a disciple of Jesus.
John tells us that that he had the "moneybag" (John 13:29). With this responsibility, he performed tasks involving handling of money for the needs of Jesus and the other eleven disciples. In John's reference it implies he used the funds to meet their needs and this also involved the gathering and dispersal of money they received from other followers. This responsibility would require a degree of trust that he would handle these funds with wisdom and honesty.
The fact that Judas was selected as a disciple who was preparing to serve as one of the apostles. Although the gospels identify Judas state that "he became a traitor", or that he "betrayed him (Jesus)", he was not a traitor or betrayer when he was selected. Like most of the other disciples, nothing is written about anything he may have said or done except for one instance when Mary anointed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and he complained that this act was a wasteful gesture. John explains that Judas was guilty of the violating the trust which he had been given.
"He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it." (John 12:6)
Judas' dishonesty with the moneybag, or purse, reveals an insight about his character and an ongoing practice of stealing. This moral failure regarding money became a gateway to another opportunity to sin even betrayal for money.
Again it is John's gospel that gives information about how sinful desire progressed until after the devil put it into "the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,…" (John 13:2).
Although the devil's agency in this is acknowledged, it is also acknowledged that Satan acted upon Judas' heart. He did not violate Judas' will or possess him in some demonic fashion. He tempted Judas and through his lust for money, Judas yielded to temptation and sinned of his own will. (James 1:14-15)
"14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him." (Mt. 26:14-15).
Look at the steps he took. First, he voluntarily went to the chief priests. Then he propositioned them to pay him for his treachery. Finally he accepted their blood money and then sought opportunity to turn Jesus over to them. The deal was made and paid all with Judas' conspiring and complete cooperation. No one made him do anything.
Here is a question to consider. If Judas had resisted the urge to betray Jesus for money, to whom would we attribute his resisting the temptation? Would it not have been Judas who did what was right? For all the damage that was done, it is impossible for man to do good if he does not have the free choice to do what is evil.
Also, if God violated Judas' free will to force him to betray Jesus, did God violate Jesus' free will to force him to die for our sins? Both Judas and Jesus were free moral agents in every decision they made whether to obey or to betray. It can only be one way.
"Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." (Psalm 41:9)
Two other questions arise. One, since it was prophesied that the Messiah would be betrayed by a close friend, how could Judas have behaved any differently? This question assumes that in order for God to fulfill divine prophecy he must force people and events to turn out the way in which they have, which is a false assumption. The fact is that God is eternal and transcends time. He can reveal prophecy because he knows what will take place. He could reveal through David this prophecy because he knew how it would happen but he did not force the outcome against the will of the one who betrayed Jesus. (Mk. 14:10; Mt. 26:14-16; Mk. 14:43-45)
Two, since Judas hung himself it is apparent that he died in a lost condition, (Mt. 27:3-10) but if he had not committed suicide, could God have forgiven Judas for betraying Jesus, his Son?
This is a speculative question because it is conditioned on a circumstance which is unique and complex and requires our finite perception of what Judas did. The mind of God is infinite and his justice is perfect so anything which is considered does not disparage his perfect judgment regarding Judas. There are some principles however, which are revealed concerning God's justice and mercy that could shed some light on the answer.
Judas certainly changed his mind about what he had done and confessed his sin to the priests but they did not pardon him of his sin.
"Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” (Mt. 27:3-5)
If Judas had not committed suicide and had returned to the disciples asking their forgiveness for his betrayal of Jesus and they had consented to his repentance, Jesus had instructed them to forgive and to forgive abundantly.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother."
"Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Mt. 18:15, 21-22)
Remember that even while hanging on the cross, Jesus demonstrated incredible mercy toward those who were actively torturing and killing him.
"And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments." (Lk. 23:33-34).
Remember also that Judas was not the only disciple to betray Jesus. Some betrayed Jesus by their denial and abandonment of Jesus when he was arrested (Mt. 26:69-75). Unlike Judas, however, Peter didn't hang himself and he had opportunity after Jesus' resurrection to repent and recommit himself to Jesus (John 21:15-19). He went on to powerfully witness Jesus resurrection to the world.
As sad as the story of Judas is, it is the story of the consequences for the choices he made. Perhaps the saddest thing about this character is that at one time in his life he heard the Messiah teach and witnessed the miracles he performed confirming his identity. AT one time he showed promise and was selected to serve in the office of an apostle in the Church which Jesus built. As we have said, he was also given a trust to administer the moneybag to take care of the needs of the Lord's disciples and to provide for benevolence but he failed to properly fulfill his responsibilities and resorted instead to thievery and the next step, betrayal.
Let his story be a warning to us so that we do not also betray the Lord.
Michael Franklin
