People of the Bible
Who Was Judas Iscariot in the Bible?
Judas Iscariot was the disciple who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, a sobering example of nearness to Christ without a heart truly given to Him.
Judas was one of the twelve, trusted enough to keep the money bag, yet his heart drifted. He grew critical and covetous, and finally went to the religious leaders and agreed to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver.
In the garden he betrayed his Master with a kiss. When Jesus was condemned, Judas was seized with remorse, confessed he had betrayed innocent blood, threw down the silver, and in despair took his own life. His story is told with sorrow, a warning held out in grace.
Key verses
“What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.”Matthew 26:15, King James Version
“I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.”Matthew 27:4, King James Version
A key moment
In the torchlit garden, Judas steps forward and kisses Jesus as the sign for the soldiers, turning a gesture of affection into the mark of betrayal.
What we learn
We learn, soberly, that outward closeness to Jesus is not the same as a heart surrendered to Him, and that small unchecked sins can grow into great ones. It is a warning to guard our hearts, not to despair, for even Peter's denial found mercy.
How Judas Iscariot points to Jesus
Judas stands in tragic contrast to Christ: he sold the Lord for silver, while Jesus gave Himself freely for us. Even his betrayal could not thwart God's plan, for through the cross Judas set in motion, God worked the salvation of the world.
Common questions
Where is Judas Iscariot in the Bible?
The four Gospels and Acts chapter 1.
What can we learn from Judas Iscariot?
We learn, soberly, that outward closeness to Jesus is not the same as a heart surrendered to Him, and that small unchecked sins can grow into great ones. It is a warning to guard our hearts, not to despair, for even Peter's denial found mercy.
The same God who met Judas Iscariot is near to you today. Step inside The Living Bread to read the Scriptures, pray, and walk with the family of God.