Judas: is he to blame?

JUDAS: IS HE TO BLAME?

By Rev. Fr. Petros Mwale (Mzuzu Diocese – MALAWI)

INTRODUCTION

“Fr. Petros, is Judas Iscariot to blame for the death of Jesus? Please help” – Martina, Chipata Diocese – ZAMBIA.

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RESPONSE

Dear Martina, according to Histo-Biblical studies, Jesus’ death took place on Friday, April 3, AD 33 when Israel was occupied and oppressed by Rome. Judas Iscariot son of Simon Iscariot is still remembered for betraying his master. His good deeds are forgotten and his name is a taboo.

1. MAN JUDAS

Judas is known as “Judas Iscariot” The name “Iscariot”, in Hebrew, means “a man from Kerioth“. This means that Judas is, most likely, the only apostle from Judea and not from Galilee. The Judeans were known to be very practical people and so he, naturally, was the most likely apostle to be chosen as the treasurer.

2. JUDAS – GOOD APOSTLE

Jesus must have seen something good in Judas. He called him to follow him in his inner circle of only 12 men (John 17:6-18). The Gospels always list Judas last among the 12, because he betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:4). But, was Judas all bad? Certainly not.

✔️He cast out demons
✔️He preached the Gospel
✔️He followed Christ loyally for 3 years
✔️He healed the sick

3. JUDAS – WEAK APOSTLE

John’s Gospel treats the character of Judas most harshly, calling him a thief who didn’t care for the poor (John 12:6). He and other Gospel writers say the Devil entered into him before the betrayal and Jesus said it was better if for him if he was never born (Matt 26:24).

Yet, early in his ministry, Jesus knew that Judas would betray him (John 6:71), and still he gave him every opportunity to turn from his sin (John 13: 21-27).

4. IS HE TO BLAME?

Jesus clearly reveals to Judas that he has a clear knowledge that Judas will betray him. He doesn’t just want to make him feel guilty, but reaches out to try and touch his heart and call him to repentance. Imagine what must have been running through Judas mind, “HE KNOWS! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO!” He chose wrongly:

✔️Judas acted freely.
✔️Christ gave him a chance of forgiveness right up until the end.
✔️His sin was not so different than Peter’s betrayal, it was how he reacted that made the difference. Remember, Peter (and the other apostles) fled when danger came near. Then Peter denied Christ three times! The difference between Peter and Judas is found in the reaction each had in the face of sin. Peter repented. Judas committed suicide.

CONCLUSION

Though Judas is to blame, he is just the representation of humanity, all of us are to blame since Jesus died because of our sins. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23. There was no way out, Jesus had to die. All humanity was the cause. Like everyone, Judas played his role.

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Receive my priestly blessings from St. Cecilia Catholic Parish (Mpherembe).

Rev. Fr. Petros Mwale (Mzuzu Diocese – MALAWI: Feedback WhatsApp +265 884 150 185)

SOURCES

Cane, Anthony. The place of Judas Iscariot in Christology. Farnham, England: Ashgate Publishing, 2005.

Brown, Raymond E. The Death of the Messiah: From Gethsemane to the Grave: A Commentary on the Passion Narratives in the Four Gospels, New York: Doubleday, 1994.