Matthew 26:14-25

There has always been a lot of conversation and speculation surrounding Judas’ motivation for turning Jesus over to the religious authorities. Many have wondered if in Judas’ eyes, Jesus had gone too far and therefore lost faith. Others believe Judas believed over-zealously in a Jesus who would rule Israel and lead them over Rome, so his “betrayal” was simply an effort to force Jesus’ hand; to initiate what he believed would be inevitable.

Regardless the reason, Judas seemed ashamed of his decision almost immediately even though he carried it out. He hid it instead of confessing it. He even kissed Jesus to cap it off. It wasn’t until later that Judas tried to call if off; even repent for “betraying an innocent man” and returning the 30 pieces of silver had been paid.

The challenge for us today is, “what do we do with Judas?” What do we make of him? Think of him? What did Jesus think of him? What was the ultimate judgment of Judas?

Years ago at my home church we performed a Lenten play where I was cast as the Prosecuting Attorney at Judas’ heavenly trial. We went through all of his misdeeds, I laid out a case that would clearly bring a Guilty judgment.

But God didn’t see it that way.

At the end of the play, Judas was acquitted; actually, it was more than that, he was found innocent, forgiven even, because Judas, too, was covered by God’s grace and a child of God!

Let’s be clear, the scriptures do not give any of this detail. We truly don’t know what happened with Judas after his sudden demise. But we do know God. Whether Judas was forgiven for his actions was/is up to God alone. That play made me look at the story differently, at Judas differently, at God differently.

My hope is that the God Jesus described, lived, characterized is the same as the one in this play. That even through his faults, Judas received grace, because while I haven’t betrayed Jesus exactly like Judas, I’m just as guilty…

…and that Jesus is just as forgiving still.