The Standard May 23, 2026
Fairly early on in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the twelve disciples are listed, with a note by the name of Judas Iscariot saying he betrayed Jesus. We learn that Judas is the disciple in charge of keeping the money. When a woman takes a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, and pours it on the feet of Jesus before his death, Judas takes issue with what he calls a waste.
“But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. 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 help himself to what was put into it.” John 12:4-6
Jesus knows all along that Judas will betray him. Still, he includes him in the Twelve, washes his feet, and calls him “friend.” Judas sees how the Lord loves the people and heals many. Perhaps he expects Jesus to be less peaceful or believes Jesus needs to be pushed into confronting the Jewish leaders more aggressively. We do not know.
“Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.” Luke 22:1-6
Matthew writes that the chief priests give Judas thirty pieces of silver, or the value of four months of wages for an average worker. Then it is time for Passover. “When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, ‘Surely, you don’t mean me, Lord?’ Jesus replied, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.’ Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?’ Jesus answered, ‘You have said so.’” Matthew 26:20-25
Judas leaves the upper room and goes to the Jewish leaders. After the meal, Jesus takes eleven disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. While there, Judas arrives along with a crowd carrying clubs and swords and betrays the Lord with a kiss.
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’” Matthew 27:3-4
They tell Judas that is his responsibility. He throws the money into the temple, goes out, and hangs himself. Tragically, Judas’ regret does not seem to lead to him seeking God’s forgiveness. All he had to do was confess his sin and renounce it. Not all remorse leads to repentance.
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