Judas the Traitor: How One Man’s Betrayal Still Fulfilled God’s Plan—Finding God’s Purpose in the Pain of Betrayal

Judas Iscariot holds a fascinating yet tragic role in the story of Jesus. He was one of the twelve disciples, personally chosen by Jesus Himself. This decision alone invites deep reflection: why would Jesus, who knew all things (John 6:64), include a man like Judas among His closest followers? Judas walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles, and heard the same teachings as the other disciples. Yet, while the others embraced their calling, Judas resisted it in his heart.

Judas had the heart of a traitor and a thief. Scripture tells us that he was the keeper of the money bag and frequently stole from it:

“He was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:6)

Judas’s greed became the root of his downfall. For thirty pieces of silver, he agreed to betray the Son of God (Matthew 26:14–16). But even as Judas conspired against Jesus, his conscience bore witness to the gravity of his actions. When he saw that Jesus was condemned, Judas was overcome with guilt. He returned to the chief priests and elders, declaring:

“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” (Matthew 27:4)

Yet, his remorse lacked true repentance. Instead of seeking forgiveness from the only one who could offer it—Jesus—Judas sought relief by returning the blood money. When the religious leaders dismissed him, he spiraled further into despair, ultimately hanging himself (Matthew 27:5).

It is both sobering and profound to consider how God used Judas for His divine purposes. Judas’s betrayal was prophesied in the Old Testament, pointing to the sovereign plan of God. Psalm 41:9 foreshadows Judas’s role:

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”

Jesus Himself acknowledged this during the Last Supper, saying:

“The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” (Luke 22:22)

Judas’s actions fulfilled prophecy, yet he was still accountable for his choices. God did not force Judas to betray Jesus; rather, Judas acted out of the greed and sin that already existed in his heart. This truth highlights a critical lesson: even when people act out of evil intentions, God can and will use those actions for His glory and purposes (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).

Judas's presence among the twelve disciples reflects a reality we see in the church today. Not everyone who sits in the congregation or even serves in ministry is truly aligned with Christ. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 13:24–30, in the parable of the wheat and the tares.

The tares, sown by the enemy, grow alongside the wheat, appearing similar until the time of harvest reveals their true nature.

Likewise, Judas serves as a reminder that there will be pretenders in our midst—those who appear to follow Christ outwardly but harbor deceitful intentions in their hearts. As John writes:

“They (false believers) went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us.” (1 John 2:19)

It is also worth considering that we may encounter “Judases” in our personal lives—people who pretend to support us but are ultimately driven by selfish or harmful motives. Yet, just as Jesus knew Judas’s heart and purpose, we can trust that God will expose those who are not genuine.

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (Luke 8:17)

Judas’s story ends tragically. His betrayal led not only to Jesus’s crucifixion but also to his own ruin. Acts 1:18–20 describes how Judas’s death fulfilled prophecy, leaving his dwelling desolate:

“May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,” and, “May another take his place of leadership.”

This underscores a sobering reality: no one is indispensable in God’s kingdom.

If we fail to fulfill the purpose God has called us to, He will raise up another to take our place. 

Jesus reminds us of this principle in Luke 19:40, when He says that even the stones would cry out if His followers remained silent.

While Judas’s story is tragic, it also carries a message of hope. His life stands as a warning of the dangers of hypocrisy, greed, and unrepentance. But it also points us to the mercy and sovereignty of God.

Judas was part of the plan that led to the salvation of the world, demonstrating that even the worst of human intentions cannot thwart God’s purposes.

For those who are struggling, Judas's story reminds us to turn to Jesus with our guilt and failures. Unlike Judas, who sought relief apart from Christ, we are called to run to Him, for He is always ready to forgive:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Judas’s life is a powerful illustration of the choices we face when God calls us. Though chosen by Jesus, Judas chose betrayal over devotion. His story warns us of the dangers of sin and hypocrisy but also encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty. And for every "Judas" we encounter in life or within the church, we can find comfort in knowing that God sees all, exposes all, and ultimately replaces all who refuse to walk in His ways. As the scripture says, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:7), for His justice and purposes will always prevail.

Heavenly Father,

If I am unknowingly walking a path similar to Judas’s, I humbly ask that You reveal it to me so I can quickly repent and turn back to You. Lord, if anyone in my family has aligned themselves with the spirit of betrayal, I ask in Your love and faithfulness to arrest and alert their hearts and spirits. Send the Spirit of Truth to remove the blinders from their eyes, allowing them to recognize their wrongdoings and turn toward Your correction.

You correct those You love, and in Your great love, I ask that You correct me, my children, my entire family, and all those dear to me. Holy Spirit, nudge us in such a way that we cannot ignore the conviction, drawing us to see and acknowledge what is wrong. Guide us in Your wisdom, and empower us to respond to Your call for change.

In Your name, Lord, I thank You for being our Teacher and Counselor. With You, we cannot fail. I ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen.