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tonyrey
Guest
- Did he foresee what would happen?
- Why did he return the money?
- Why did he kill himself?
- Did he regret what he did?
- Could he have been possessed?
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utunumsint
Guest
Hi tonyrey,
I’ve been reading Shusaku Endo’s Silence about a Catholic priest in Japan during the persecutions of the 1600s. He is betrayed by a Japanese local. His book gives a really good depiction of both the Judas’ attitude and the Priest’s attempts to forgive him and his struggles with anger, disappointment, unforgiveness, etc… all while trying to live up to the example of Christ. Anyway, it is a good book and fresh on my mind, so I thought I would give your question a shot.
God bless,
Ut
I’ve been reading Shusaku Endo’s Silence about a Catholic priest in Japan during the persecutions of the 1600s. He is betrayed by a Japanese local. His book gives a really good depiction of both the Judas’ attitude and the Priest’s attempts to forgive him and his struggles with anger, disappointment, unforgiveness, etc… all while trying to live up to the example of Christ. Anyway, it is a good book and fresh on my mind, so I thought I would give your question a shot.
Endo’s Judas figure was driven by fear of persecution, anxiety about what would happen to himself if they were caught by the authorities, also greed at the possible profit he could gain from dealing with the enemy. In short, he was thinking very selfish thoughts.
He had ignored the voice of his conscience when he betrayed Jesus. He tried to justify his action by pointing out how weak he is. How he is not strong like the others. But his sin drives him deeper and deeper into self loathing. He wants to try to make it right somehow, so he confronts the priests.
Regret, despair, self-loathing at his own weakness and inability to change what he had done. He really loved Jesus, but he had loved himself more in the moment of testing.
Absolutely.
The way I understand possession, control over the person’s body is taken over, not over the person’s soul. I think more likely, Satan was given permission to tempt Judas with fear, anxiety, thoughts of self-preservation, doubts against his faith and trust in Jesus, greed. I think when he made the decision to follow through with his plan to betray Jesus, he sort of went into an auto-pilot mode. One thing led to another until he has made his agreement with the priests and he left the temple with a whole bunch of guards at his back. He was likely willfully blinding himself as to the ultimate consequences of his actions in relation to Jesus. That is the only way I can explain his remorse and ultimate suicide after committing his crime.
God bless,
Ut
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Beryllos
Guest
Here are a couple of good and recent threads on understanding Judas:
Why did Judas really betray Jesus?
How to perceive Judas?
I think it’s possible that Judas expected Jesus, as the Messiah, to be a powerful political leader. He thought Jesus’ arrest would force events in that direction, and force Jesus to reveal his power and glory. Judas expected it would elevate his own status as well, and it seemed all the better that he could earn a little money on the side.
He regretted it, of course, but could not humble himself to beg at the foot of the cross for Jesus’ forgiveness. What an inspiring story it would have been, if Judas had repented and Jesus had forgiven him!
Why did Judas really betray Jesus?
How to perceive Judas?
I think it’s possible that Judas expected Jesus, as the Messiah, to be a powerful political leader. He thought Jesus’ arrest would force events in that direction, and force Jesus to reveal his power and glory. Judas expected it would elevate his own status as well, and it seemed all the better that he could earn a little money on the side.
He regretted it, of course, but could not humble himself to beg at the foot of the cross for Jesus’ forgiveness. What an inspiring story it would have been, if Judas had repented and Jesus had forgiven him!
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Wesrock
Guest
We don’t know for certain. The above explanations may be as good as any other. It’s also possible that Judas became disillusioned with Jesus’ ministry and claims, that he expected to have a high position with a powerful and worldly leader and king, and that the disciples would share in that power. He may have expected the worldly restoration of Israel. Jesus disabused his Apostles of that notion multiple times, and he might have finally realized that Jesus meant it.
There may have been more on his mind. There may have been less. We cannot say with any certainty. He certainly seems to have had some regrets afterwards. Was the punishment of Jesus more than he anticipated? Was he consumed with self-doubt and guilt? Probably yes on both counts.
There may have been more on his mind. There may have been less. We cannot say with any certainty. He certainly seems to have had some regrets afterwards. Was the punishment of Jesus more than he anticipated? Was he consumed with self-doubt and guilt? Probably yes on both counts.
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HungerNThirst4R
Guest
What always confuses me is, if all these things had to come about for salvation then how could Judas be held accountable for his actions?
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tonyrey
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:clapping: Thank you, Ut. An excellent analysis. I don’t believe Judas was fully responsible for what he did but that is only my opinion and I’m sure others will disagree.
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tonyrey
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That’s a very good explanation, Beryllos, although I don’t think it was a question of pride but despair. He may have thought his crime was so great it was unforgivable and he thought there was no hope for him. It was an act of folly but at least he regretted what he had done whereas the high priests seemed to lack any sense of guilt.
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tonyrey
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You are right! When all is said and done we don’t know all the facts. It was a common Jewish belief that the Messiah would restore their kingdom to its former glory. I agree with you that Judas probably didn’t foresee the outcome and was overcome by guilt. The vital question is "Why did Judas kill himself?
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tonyrey
Guest
A very good question. I think the answer is that he was responsible to some extent but there were mitigating circumstances. As Peter demonstrated, it must have seemed unthinkable their Master would be executed like a criminal after doing so much good and displaying so much power. Being humble fishermen for the most part they almost certainly weren’t aware of the Isaiah’s prophecies about the Suffering Servant. There is no doubt Judas knew what he was doing and felt guilty afterwards. Why else did he say “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” Why else would he throw down the silver in the Temple instead of keeping it? He felt deep remorse in stark contrast to the Sanhedrin for whom Jesus was just another rebel against their authority. The Establishment is often far worse than individual criminals because it is guilty of hypocrisy as Jesus pointed out with the most venomous words one can imagine. He probably had His own death in mind and was appalled by how evil and cruel they were under the cloak of righteousness. In that context Judas is an unfortunate victim of circumstances even though he was guilty of treachery. In my view the fact that he regretted what he had done is very significant:
To “Forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us” we could add “especially if they are sorry for what they have done”. I believe Jesus forgave Judas because he admitted he was a sinner and killed himself because he thought his crime was unforgivable. He was mistaken because God is infinitely merciful and must feel compassion for a man who was an unwitting instrument in our liberation from evil.
To think Judas is in hell doesn’t seem to me to be a Christian reaction at all. We should feel compassion for him not repulsion… We have no idea how much he suffered but his agony of guilt must have been so extreme it was beyond anything we have ever experienced or ever shall, thank God. To that must be added the thought that he would be despised forever for what he had done by everyone including the Sanhedrin and the Romans: “Judas the traitor”. One thing he didn’t realise is that deicide is a crime that will never be committed again. Paradoxically it is the greatest evidence of God’s love for all of us - including Judas…
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tonyrey
Guest
So my answer to your question is that Judas was accountable for his actions but to what extent it is impossible to know. He knew what he was doing but he may well have not been fully aware of the consequences. We cannot even be sure what his motives were. Perhaps even he didn’t know! The offer of money alone doesn’t seem a sufficient explanation. He had been with Jesus for three years, had seen people cured miraculously and must have realised his Master had extraordinary power. He had heard His teaching and there is no evidence that he rejected it. If he had why would he have waited so long? Was it because he didn’t have an opportunity? It doesn’t seem likely.
There are so many unanswered questions we must admit we don’t know all the answers and are not in a position to judge Judas. We have all betrayed Jesus in some way or other because we haven’t loved others anywhere near as much as He has loved us. Nor does He expect us to but it is up to us to try to do more - and Lent is a good time to make an extra effort. I know I could do a lot more even if it’s “only” praying for people. Probably praying is often the best way we can help them and ourselves. It makes we wonder if Judas prayed to be delivered from evil. If he didn’t that would explain why he gave way to temptation, despaired and killed himself. Perhaps he was too independent…
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kjane1
Guest
Judas was deceived,he must have accepted the thoughts of the evil one and with his free will, turned away from the words of Jesus the Christ and obeyed the evil ones thought forms. His action tell the story of which force he followed by his betrayal of Jesus. He could have been forgiven by our merciful Lord. He had regret of his action. He chose Not to believe in the forgiveness that Jesus had taught Judas. The light of the Lord must have been within his heart and mind , even after he betrayed the Lord. How merciful is our Lord ! The evidence that the Lords presence within Judas is that he had a guilty conscious . When the light of Jesus leaves man ,there is no guilt, for there is no light ,to reveal the darkness . We become blind.
Our Lord Jesus is mercy !! Kjane1
Our Lord Jesus is mercy !! Kjane1
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tonyrey
Guest
Welcome to the forum!
I agree with you that Judas was influenced by an evil suggestion but there is no evidence he **chose **not to believe in forgiveness. After committing such an atrocious act of treachery he must have been convinced it was unforgivable given that Jesus had trusted him and had done nothing to deserve such horrendous punishment. I think all of us would have yielded to that temptation. Really evil people don’t have a guilty conscience because they think they’re entitled to do anything they like whereas Judas admitted he had betrayed innocent blood. The very fact that he said that to the High Priests means he bitterly regretted what he had done to the point where he thought there was no reason to go on living. He was convinced he was utterly worthless but he was wrong because God created him in His own image and likeness.Even Satan isn’t utterly worthless. The reason he is in Hell is that he rejects God’s love whereas Judas mistakenly believed he wasn’t worthy of God’s love. Yet he followed Jesus for three years not because he was compelled to but of his own free will. It is absurd to believe he betrayed his Master because he intended to do so right from the start! Three years is a long time during which he would have had other opportunities. Why did he wait so long? Because he wasn’t waiting! He had no intention of being a traitor: that was an idea that came to him from the one who had tempted Jesus in the desert to demonstrate His power. St Peter knew from his own experience what can happen to us. He remembered what Jesus had said to him:
“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
That is why St Peter wrote: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Judas was the unwitting victim of a diabolical scheme to ensure Jesus was put to death and he paid for it with an agony of remorse it is impossible to describe. He couldn’t bear to live with himself any longer. I believe his purgatory began in this world because he also unwittingly played a part in our redemption…
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tonyrey
Guest
And he could hardly go to Hell for doing that!
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tonyrey
Guest
It is indisputable that Jesus chose Judas to be one of His apostles. There is no evidence Judas intended to betray Jesus as soon as he was selected or even before they finally reached Jerusalem. It is quite likely he was contacted by a messenger from the High Priests and scribes after Jesus had condemned them so fiercely for “devouring widows’ houses” and told the people the parable of the tenants who killed the son of the vineyard’s owner. That was the fatal moment when he yielded to temptation and in the words of St Luke “Satan entered Judas”. There is no reason to doubt that he became possessed. Was it against his will? I think it is more likely that not but only God knows. What is certain is that his act of treachery was the result of being selected as an apostle. Jesus could have been captured otherwise but there is no point in speculating. All that matters is that Jesus chose to redeem us in accordance with His Father’s Will and demonstrated how much He loves us… That is the ultimate reason why Judas betrayed Jesus. God’s love transforms even evil into a blessing.
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Erich
Guest
I was going to answer the question by saying “The Devil made him do it” but I like this answer better
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tonyrey
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It’s certainly more subtle.
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kjane1
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Only God knows the mind and heart of judas . Surely none of us can Think we know what was in the heart and mind of Judas. You are right that I do not know that he refused forgiveness . All we know is what his beheivor reveals. God does not judge as man does. God judged judas correctly. You have made judgements of mercy on judas. You have given all the reasons that you think kept him from the freedom to choose to betray Jesus. That could be right. However you cannot judge judas and his behavior as though you are sure that you know his mind. Judas may or may not have been blinded by evil. What causes you you judge it absurd that it is possible, he refused Gods forgiveness .
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tonyrey
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I’m not absolutely sure, of course, but I believe all the evidence points to the fact that Judas was possessed. Otherwise why would St Luke have written "“Satan entered Judas”? I suppose we could say he invited Satan but it seems rather far-fetched! Since Jesus told us not to judge people we should give Judas the benefit of the doubt…
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inocente
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While generous, I think that would negate moral agency and free will. It would mean that any traitor, mass murderer, rapist, etc., could escape conviction by saying they were possessed.
The Expositor’s commentary thinks Luke simply ran out of words: “Lk.’s statement is stronger even than John’s, suggesting a literal possession. Only so could he account for such behaviour on the part of a disciple towards such a Master. It was a natural view for a devout evangelist in the Apostolic Age, but, taken literally, it would be fatal to the moral significance of the act of the traitor, which, while presenting a difficult psychological problem, doubtless proceeded from conscious motives.”.
Gill comes to the same conclusion: “the devil …] entered into Judas; not corporeally, as he did into those that were possessed by him; but he entered “into his heart”, as the Ethiopic version renders it; he put it into his heart to betray him, as it is said in John 13:2 he stirred up, and worked upon the corruptions of his heart; suggested evil things to his mind, and baited his temptations agreeable to his malice and covetousness”.
(There is a theological case against anyone ever being possessed in Romans 8, where Paul runs out of words in making his list: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”)
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utunumsint
Guest
LOLI was going to answer the question by saying “The Devil made him do it” but I like this answer better
Moral responsibility when it comes to evil and sin is a tricky business. Because sin has the tendency to enslave the will. But before one’s will can be enslaved, there has to be a series of smaller capitulations to evil desires that precede the full enslavement. But even then, it must be possible to resist. At least while one is still alive. And the more one resists, the more one can grow in virtue, eventually conquering one’s sinful tendencies.
But Christ knew the heart of Judas. There was something about his state of mind that made it a forgone conclusion that Judas would fall this way. Jesus is pretty clear and bitter in his assessment of Judas in Mathew 26:
But perhaps this is something that comes from Christ’s human nature and not something that comes from his divine nature. In Shusaku’s book, the Judas figure does not kill himself, but persistently, like a mangy dog, continues to beg the priest for forgiveness, and the priest eventually absolves him. But he has a lot of soul searching to go through to forgive Judas. However, unlike the actually biblical story, the priest is never martyred and the Judas figure has the option to find him and seek forgiveness. Judas thought Jesus was dead and gone.
Anyway, I agree with others that it is impossible to know for sure how Judas has been judged by God. I think both those who try to absolve or condemn Judas are equally in error.
God bless,
Ut
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