Betraying the Son of God

   “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” (Matt 26: 15)

   With these words Judas betrayed the Son of God.  How could one who had been chosen by our Lord, one who had lived with Him, seen the miracles He performed and heard His teachings, betray Him to those who would kill him?

   In one respect his betrayal was necessary for prophecy had foretold it.  Was Judas destined to betray?  Certainly one of the twelve would be the betrayer but how did Judas become the one?  I suspect he never truly had faith in Christ; he had not accepted that He was the Messiah.  Jesus was not the Savior Judas was expecting and hoping for.  He taught love, mercy and forgiveness rather than vengeance against those who occupied Israel.

   He had regrets for his betrayal and even tried to return the money.  Yet he still did not accept Christ as the Messiah, only that He was innocent (see Matt 27: 3 – 4).  Had Judas sought the forgiveness of Jesus he would have been forgiven His sin, but he chose suicide rather than forgiveness and salvation, again not recognizing the truth of Christ, denying the promise of the Messiah.

   Judas never recognized his Savior, he never believed.  Accepting Christ means we must believe in the love, mercy and forgiveness of God.  Regardless of our sins and failings, He will forgive.

   “My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.” (Psalm 51: 19)