The Judas Issue
15. In those days, Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty),
16. And said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus.”
17. “He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
20. “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms, ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it, and may another take his place of leadership.'”
26. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven Apostles.
Acts 1:15-17, 20, 26
What Happened to Judas Iscariot?
We understand that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is profitable for doctrine, for correction, and for reproof. The ultimate goal is that every believer will be thoroughly furnished so that they may live and lead a righteous life before God. Yet, there are certain passages that most Christians like to stay away from and will passively brush them off as if they don’t apply. Such was the issue with Judas Iscariot, the Disciple that no one liked to talk about.
Indeed, his name would come up in conversations as to what he did. He was the betrayer of Jesus, our Lord. What a pity that his life turned out the way it did. Then, there would be no more conversations about the man because, other than that, his life was really not that important. Yet, the Scripture records that the Apostles had reached a place where they had to deal with the Judas issue. Why was it important for them to get this matter straight? How could dealing with the issue help them to move forward to Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? More importantly, what is it that we need to know about Judas that may have an affect on our life and our service to God?
For starters, Judas was a chosen Disciple of Jesus Christ. That’s right, Jesus picked Judas Iscariot as one of the original twelve. The name is on the roster in Matthew 10:4 as one called by Jesus and given power to cast out unclean spirits, heal all manner of diseases and sicknesses, and to preach the Kingdom of God. Did Jesus know what kind of character He was recruiting? Of course He did. Herein is the mystery of God’s Grace in that God leaves no one out of the opportunity to serve Him. Based on Judas’ life, we can say that he was a great pretender when it came to faith. Judas walked with the Disciples and was counted in their number. Yet no one, except the Lord, knew what was in his heart. Yes, the Lord had called Judas. The question is not, however, “who” Christ calls, but rather “what” someone does with the calling. As one minister said, “God calls everyone, but not everyone listens.”
So, what does the Bible say about Judas? For starters, his name meant “praise” and was the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name, Judah. What else do we know about the man? According to the Scripture, he was a successful preacher and evangelist just like the other Apostles. He was given a trusted position as treasurer for the ministry. Judas could evaluate the cost of things very well. It was Judas who spoke up when Mary anointed Jesus before His death. John 12:4. Judas quickly commented that the perfume could have been sold in the market for three hundred pence (about $150 in our day) and should have been given to the poor. Of course, Jesus rebuked him and said that Mary had performed a noble act of anointing Him before His burial. So, Judas was very shrewd in his dealings to the point that no one knew what he was up to except the Lord. The Bible declares that Jesus knew from the beginning who it was that should betray Him. John 6:64. Yet, Jesus put up with Judas and extended the same Grace to him as He did to the other Disciples and us.
We could discuss Judas further but the real point is that Judas betrayed Jesus. That is the point that we must all deal with because everyone has the potential of committing that same sinful and shameful act. How can that happen, you may ask? First, if you do not admit that you are sinful, you have already deceived yourself. Admitting that we are sinners is the first step to receiving God’s forgiveness. Second, going through the routine of religion does not mean you are walking with the Lord. When the Apostles entered the upper room, they realized how much they needed to be genuine in their faith and their commitment to one another. They were on “one accord.” This meant no more pretending. They had to be real with God and real with one another.
Are there other things that we should acknowledge about our own character and potential to betray the Lord? Yes. This is the absolute critical point. In order to be fully controlled by the Holy Spirit, we must deny our selfish nature. The Apostles have given an excellent example of how to move past self-focus into the God-focused life.
Resolving the Judas Issue
The Apostles and Disciples had assembled together in the Upper Room. Rather than just waiting until something happened, they all felt the deep need to move from the past and this included dealing with Judas. About one hundred and twenty were gathered together and they all agreed on some basic things. First, they all felt the need to acknowledge Judas’ betrayal. And said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus … He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” There are no words of slander or undo criticisms. They knew what happened and realized that they had all “abandoned Jesus.” Yet, there was the unspoken warning: we can’t let this happen again.
Second, they recognized that prayer was essential if they were to make a unanimous decision. The Scripture said, they prayed, “Lord you know everyone’s heart … show us which of these two You have chosen to take over this Apostolic ministry which Judas has left …” Acts 1:24. Had they not prayed, Judas was going to be on the next meeting agenda, and the next meeting agenda, and probably the next. But they prayed and God gave them the direction they needed to make a decision. This is a reminder that we too should let all things be done through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.
Third, they knew that a replacement for Judas’ position was critical to the success of the ministry. If progress is important, then change is imperative. Peter led the replacement discussions with this statement. “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms, ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it, and may another take his place of leadership … Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven Apostles. They did not procrastinate, debate, or meditate; they voted. By the way, the number one hundred and twenty was considered a lawful assembly under Jewish Law. So they settled upon Matthias as the replacement for Judas. Case closed.
You are probably thinking, what does this have to do with me? It has everything to do with you as you try to move forward with your life. Perhaps you have been betrayed by others or you may be feeling guilty because you have been the betrayer. Either way, you can apply these same Spirit-led directions to find your new beginning.
First, admit that it happened. In a world of over 8 billion humans, it is not out of the question that we will hurt one another. Every one of us has the propensity to commit evil acts. We may try to shrug them off, bury them, or shout from the housetops how we have been wronged. Admitting it happened is more than verbalizing the wrong, but rather, allowing the Holy Spirit to deal with the issue. Peter brought out the fact that the Holy Spirit had spoken. When we bring the light of Scripture into our situation this changes the view dramatically. You cease to see it your way and start to see it God’s Way. You stop seeking revenge, justice, or pity and start seeking God’s Will. You also stop from your own striving and start asking God to Work. When that happens, things begin to change for the better.
Second, pray genuinely for God’s Direction. Some of us pray by simply rehearsing the incident and then ask God to repay those involved in causing the pain. That is not prayer and will not be honored before God. Jesus did not pray that way and neither should you. Pray for God’s Will to be revealed and then pray for God’s Will to be done. Pray that your own mind and heart will stop replaying that experience. Plead the Blood of Jesus over the bad memories and recognize that your Risen Lord will lead you into a fruitful place for His Glory. I believe the Upper Room was more than symbolic, I believe it was to literally get the Disciples in a good place above their problem.
The third important thing to do is to find a replacement for the Judas issue. I have come to the conclusion that we are excellent at counting our problems. We can name them one by one when it comes to the heartaches, evils, tough breaks, and let downs of life. Get rid of the evil thinking by thinking on what is good. As a matter of fact, the Holy Spirit will usher in some good things. Despite of all you have been through, God still loves you. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against them. You are more than a conqueror through Him that loves you. If God says you are blessed, then you are blessed indeed. Replace those thoughts with the good things of God’s Word and watch God fill your heart with peace.
What God has for you in your future does not include the bad things of the past. Let the Lord show you what is ahead, but you stop looking back. Judas is gone and now a new day has come. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8. That should get your mind off of Judas.
God bless.