Study together · The Cast

Judas Iscariot

Chosen, trusted, and close, yet he handed Jesus over.

The story

1. Chosen among the Twelve Luke 6:13-16

   Jesus chose him with the others. Luke names him last, as the one “who became a traitor” (Luke 6:16).

2. Sent out with authority Matthew 10:1-5

   He was among the twelve Jesus sent to preach and heal. Nothing in the text sets him apart from the rest.

3. The objection at Bethany John 12:4-6

   When Mary anointed Jesus, Judas complained about the waste. John says he said this because he was a thief.

4. The bargain Matthew 26:14-16

   He went to the chief priests and asked what they would give him. They paid him thirty pieces of silver.

5. The morsel and the night John 13:21-30

   At the supper Jesus identified the betrayer with a piece of bread. Judas took it and went out immediately, and it was night.

6. The kiss Luke 22:47-48

   He led the crowd to Gethsemane and greeted Jesus with a kiss. Jesus asked if he would betray the Son of Man with a kiss.

7. Remorse without return Matthew 27:3-5

   When Jesus was condemned, Judas brought the silver back and confessed to the priests. They turned him away, and he went and hanged himself.

Key verses

“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” Matthew 27:4 (ESV)

Read together: Luke 6:13-16 · Matthew 10:1-5 · John 12:4-6 · Matthew 26:14-16 · John 13:21-30 · Luke 22:47-48 · Matthew 27:3-5

Questions to sit with

1. Where do you see the difference between remorse and repentance in your own life?
2. What does it tell you about Jesus that he washed feet and shared bread at a table where his betrayer sat?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.