Judas Iscariot is a figure in the New Testament known primarily for betraying Jesus Christ. He was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and is often characterized as the one who facilitated the arrest of Jesus by betraying him to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver.
### Life and Role
Judas Iscariot is mentioned in all four Gospels. He is identified as the son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71), and he was responsible for the group’s financial affairs, holding the position of treasurer (John 12:6). His actions are often portrayed with a sense of foreboding, particularly in the context of Jesus’ knowledge of what was to come.
### Betrayal of Jesus
The most significant event involving Judas Iscariot is his betrayal of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is stated:
– **Matthew 26:15-16**: “And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.”
In the Gospel of Mark, a similar account is found:
– **Mark 14:10-11**: “And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.”
### The Last Supper
During the Last Supper, Jesus foretells his betrayal, directly addressing Judas:
– **Matthew 26:23-25**: “And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born.”
### The Arrest of Jesus
Judas’ actions lead to the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He identifies Jesus to the guards with a kiss, a gesture that has since become synonymous with betrayal:
– **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. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.”
### Aftermath and Death
After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas Iscariot is filled with remorse. He attempts to return the thirty pieces of silver and ultimately takes his own life:
– **Matthew 27:3-5**: “Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”
Judas Iscariot’s role in the New Testament serves as a poignant reminder of themes of betrayal, remorse, and the complexities of human nature in the context of faith and morality.