Judas Iscariot is one of the most intriguing and tragic figures in the Bible. As one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, Judas played a significant role in the story of Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion. These verses provide insight into his life, actions, and the consequences of his decisions, offering valuable lessons about faith, loyalty, and repentance.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Peter
The Calling of Judas
Judas Iscariot was chosen as one of the twelve disciples by Jesus Himself. Despite knowing the future, Jesus gave Judas the opportunity to walk closely with Him, demonstrating God’s grace and patience. These verses highlight Judas’ initial calling and inclusion among the disciples.
Mark 3:14-15
“Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons.”
Luke 6:13-16
“At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names: Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot), Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).”
John 6:70
“Then Jesus said, ‘I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.'”
Matthew 10:1-4
“Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: […] Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him.”
Acts 1:16-17
“Brothers, he said, the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”
The Greed of Judas
Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was rooted in his greed and love for money. These passages describe his actions and reveal the tragic consequences of placing material wealth above spiritual devotion.
John 12:4-6
“But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, ‘That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.’ Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.”
Matthew 26:14-15
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.”
Mark 14:10-11
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money.”
Proverbs 15:27
“Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.”
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
The Betrayal of Jesus
The betrayal by Judas Iscariot marked a pivotal moment in the Passion of Christ. Judas’ actions led to Jesus’ arrest and eventual crucifixion, fulfilling the prophecies about the Messiah. These verses recount the events surrounding the betrayal.
Matthew 26:47-49
“And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: ‘You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.’ So Judas came straight to Jesus. ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.”
Mark 14:44-46
“The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: ‘You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.’ As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. ‘Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.”
Luke 22:47-48
“But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?'”
John 18:2-3
“Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples. The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.”
Psalm 41:9
“Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Melchizedek
Prophecies About Judas
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas was foretold in Scripture, demonstrating God’s sovereign plan for redemption. These verses highlight the prophetic nature of Judas’ actions and how they fulfilled ancient writings.
Zechariah 11:12-13
“And I said to them, ‘If you like, give me my wages, whatever I am worth; but only if you want to.’ So they counted out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—this magnificent sum at which they valued me! So I took the thirty coins and threw them to the potter in the Temple of the Lord.”
Psalm 55:12-14
“It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.”
John 13:18
“I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.'”
Matthew 27:9-10
“This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says, ‘They took the thirty pieces of silver—the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel—and purchased the potter’s field, as the Lord directed.'”
Acts 1:16
“Brothers, he said, the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David.”
The Remorse of Judas
After betraying Jesus, Judas experienced deep remorse and guilt for his actions. These passages capture his tragic end and serve as a cautionary tale about unrepentant sin and despair.
Matthew 27:3-5
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he declared, ‘for I have betrayed an innocent man.’ ‘What do we care?’ they retorted. ‘That’s your problem.’ Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.”
Acts 1:18
“(Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines.)”
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.”
Proverbs 28:13
“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
Psalm 32:5
“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
The Legacy of Judas
Judas Iscariot’s story is one of missed opportunities and tragic decisions. These verses reflect on the lessons we can learn from his life and the ultimate consequences of his betrayal.
Matthew 26:24
“For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”
John 17:12
“During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.”
Hebrews 10:26-27
“Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies.”
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”
1 John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”