Introduction

The betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the beginning of the Passion of Christ. This act of treachery is recorded in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Judas, one of the twelve apostles, played a crucial role in the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Biblical Account

The betrayal is most explicitly detailed in the Gospel of Matthew. Judas Iscariot, motivated by greed and possibly disillusionment, conspires with the chief priests to deliver Jesus into their hands. Matthew 26:14-16 states, "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 hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus."

The Gospel of Mark echoes this account, emphasizing the premeditated nature of Judas's actions. Mark 14:10-11 notes, "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray Him."

In the Gospel of Luke, the influence of Satan is highlighted. Luke 22:3-6 records, "Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. Judas consented, and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them in the absence of a crowd."

The Gospel of John provides additional insight into Judas's character and motivations. John 12:4-6 describes Judas as a thief, stating, "But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, 'Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?' He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it."

The Act of Betrayal

The culmination of Judas's betrayal occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, aware of the impending betrayal, prays fervently while His disciples struggle to stay awake. Judas arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders. Matthew 26:47-50 narrates, "While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him.' Going directly to Jesus, he said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed Him. 'Friend,' Jesus replied, 'do what you came for.' Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him."

Prophetic Fulfillment

The betrayal by Judas is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Psalm 41:9 foreshadows this event: "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Additionally, Zechariah 11:12-13 is often cited in connection with the thirty pieces of silver: "And I said to them, 'If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.' So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver as my wages. And the LORD said to me, 'Throw it to the potter, this magnificent price at which they valued Me!' So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD, to the potter."

Aftermath

The aftermath of Judas's betrayal is marked by his deep remorse and tragic end. Matthew 27:3-5 recounts, "When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. 'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,' he said. 'What is that to us?' they replied. 'You bear the responsibility.' So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself."

The betrayal by Judas Iscariot remains one of the most infamous acts in biblical history, serving as a somber reminder of the consequences of sin and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.