We need to finish up Luke (I’m a bit behind in the blog, our readings are already into 1 Corinthians!). As we get into the crucifixion narrative of chapters 22 and 23, we come upon Judas:

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. (Luke 22.3 – 6, ESV)

Judas the betrayer. There’s not much about him in the gospels. What was his motivation? For joining the disciples, then for betraying Jesus? It does say he embezzled funds so he wasn’t a good guy. And enjoying money, the betrayal was a way to get some. And “Satan entered in Judas…”

One thing leads to another, and soon a person is doing things he would have considered unimaginable earlier. 

Here is a list of all I’ve found on Judas in the Gospels:

• Sent out (Matthew 10.4)
• Chosen as one of the 12 (Mark 3.19, Luke 6.16 – Jesus “…spent all night in prayer to God.” Whom do I choose? This one, that one? Not that one? Judas Iscariot? Really? Some are called for what turns out to be a negative purpose. Or, not everyone we invest in turns out well. )
• Acted as treasurer (why not Matthew? Because Peter wouldn’t have trusted him?) (John 12.4 – 7)
• Spoke up about “wasting” money (John 12.4 – 7)
• Embezzled funds (John 12.4 – 7)
• “Satan entered into him” (Luke 22.3)
• Made the arrangement (Luke 22.4 – 6)
• Betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26.25, 47, Mark 14.43, Luke 22.4, John 18.2-5)
• Committed suicide (Matthew 27.3, 4)

There’s one more thing, and it’s very important. After the resurrection and ascension…

In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out….For it is written in the Book of Psalms, ‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it;’ and ‘Let another take his office.’…

And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1.15 – 20, 26, ESV)

Judas is one of the twelve. He…

• Betrays Jesus
• Kills himself
• Is replaced…and the work goes on!