As John began the discussion of Jesus’ last supper, he dealt with the painful topic of Jesus’ betrayal by Judas Iscariot. Jesus was acutely aware of Judas’ heart and plan to betray Him. Despite that, He continued to treat Judas with the same love and care as He had the other disciples.
However, now it was time for Judas to set the plan into motion. Jesus announced to the disciples that one of them would betray Him. John and Peter were seated close to Jesus and asked Him which disciple was the one. Jesus dipped bread and handed it to Judas. He told Judas to go quickly and do what he was going to do. John says at that moment Satan entered Judas and he went out into the night.
Many questions arise from that moment. First, did Judas have a choice? This was an event that had been forcast throughout time, spoken of by the prophets and esential to the culmination of Jesus’ mission. The answer is yes. Judas could have chosen not to betray the Lord.
One often mistakes God’s knowing all things and seeing all times at once as a means for God to push buttons and move pieces around. That is not how God has operated. He knew Judas was never going to believe and trust Jesus. Still, Judas was given the same opportunity each of the apostles were given. He was treated with honor and trust, being the treasurer of the group. Judas just did not truly believe.
Next, would Jesus have forgiven Judas if he would have truly sought forgiveness? Jesus told us that the Father desired that none should perish. I believe that included Judas. Still, Judas chose to reject Jesus. That choice left Judas with regret and remorse, but sadly, not with a desire to repent and follow Jesus. So, while it would have made for a great happy ending, it was simply not going to happen.
Finally, was Judas the only man who could have set in motion a plan for the Saviour’s betrayal? Absolutely not! Satan would love to redirect attention from the Lord’s act of love to the other minor players. The plain fact is that Jesus was born to be the sacrificial lamb of God. The rest of those involved, while an integral part of the story, were not the reason for our salvation. Judas handed the Lord over for the price of a nice night out on the town. Judas was a tragic character who simply did what so many others have done before and since. He traded his chance to enjoy a wonderful life with God for a worthless treasure that led to death.
God Bless You
21 When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will [c]betray Me.” 22 The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23 There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 So Simon Peter *gestured to him, and *said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25 He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, *said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus then *answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He *took and *gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus *said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. 29 For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.
31 Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus *said, “Now [d]is the Son of Man glorified, and God [e]is glorified in Him; 32 [f]if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
36 Simon Peter *said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” 37 Peter *said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” 38 Jesus *answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.
Walking With God 