Judas is a polarizing figure in the Bible, mostly because of what he did to Jesus. What did he do? And why does it hold so much weight?
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was responsible for carrying the money bag for all of the disciples. But he is most well-known for being the person who betrayed Jesus when the Romans were looking for a “sly” way to arrest him.
The night before a feast, they chose to arrest him. But they needed help. According to the gospel of Luke, Judas accepted thirty pieces of silver to betray his leader. He then gave away Jesus with a kiss – now known as the “Judas Kiss” – and Roman authorities moved in to arrest him. Jesus was then turned over to Pilate’s soldiers and eventually faced his death.
There are many arguments about the role of Judas. If Jesus had the ability of supernatural knowledge, he knew the betrayal was coming – so why did he allow it? Some scholars suggest that Judas was a disciple for that very reason. Jesus knew he would have to be betrayed in order to teach a lesson to his followers and to fulfill his own reason for being on earth. He knew Judas would betray him, and he was ready for it, and allowed it to happen.
In fact, the gospels state that Jesus knew what was coming. He said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly,” and seems to indicate that he just wanted it done. Some gnostic gospels claim that Judas and Jesus had an arrangement, and Jesus knew of the betrayal long before it happened – in fact, the two of them discussed when and where it would occur, and the symbol, or the kiss, was arranged as well. Some have called Judas brave, for he was doing what he knew would lead to Jesus’ death, and it was something none of the other disciples could bring themselves to do.
Whatever the reasons and the happenings behind the “Judas Kiss,” it is clear that Judas has become villified throughout the ages. When someone is accused of being a “Judas” they are being called a liar, a betrayer, or an unfaithful scoundrel.
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