Published on 04/5/2007

Today's newspapers are reporting the Iranian release of its British hostages, as the world breathes a sigh of relief. By contrast, Judas Iscariot helped the authorities take Jesus hostage. "Judas" meant "Yahweh leads." It was an honorable and common name. But who names their son Judas anymore? Why did this man commit the most infamous act of treachery in history?

Commentary

Scholars have devised a number of plausible motives behind his betrayal. One: Judas was a coward. Seeing the inevitable clash with the authorities, he acted to save himself. Two: he was a revolutionary who wanted Jesus to lead a rebellion against the cursed Romans, then betrayed him when it was apparent that he would not overthrow the enemy. "Iscariot" can be connected with "sikarios," the dagger used by the Zealots in their insurrection against the Empire. Perhaps Judas was part of these guerrilla fighters, a revolutionary who eventually betrayed his "failed" leader.

Three: he sought to force Jesus into action. By betraying him to the authorities, he thought that he would leave him no option but armed resistance. Four: Judas thought that the Romans would inevitably crucify Jesus, so he turned him over to the Jewish authorities to save his life. But when he saw that the religious leaders wanted Jesus to die, he was "seized with remorse" (Matthew 27:3).

Any option should consider Judas' later reaction: "I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). Nothing about Jesus' guilt or innocence changed in the time between his arrest and Judas' exclamation. It would not be that he suddenly discovered Jesus' innocence. Why, then, his reaction to Jesus' arrest?

It may be that the last option best explains his response. Judas knew all along that Jesus was innocent of any crime. But now he realized that the authorities meant not to imprison him (protecting him from Rome), but to have him executed. When he "saw that Jesus was condemned," he was "seized with remorse" (v. 3).

Judas appears last in every list of apostles. Every time we find his name, we are reminded that he was a traitor. Yet he was trusted enough by the disciples to serve as their treasurer; in the Upper Room, none suspected him of the treason he would soon commit. Here's the good news: Jesus, knowing all that Judas would soon do, washed his feet on this Maundy Thursday. Now he waits to wash ours. When last did you let him?