Why did Jesus pick Judas as a disciple? He knew Peter would deny him. He acknowledged at the last supper one would betray him.
I would like to start answering this question by asking another question: If you had known all the pain your son or daughter would have caused you during your life time, would you have rejected him/her when he/she was born? “Child for sale!!! This child will be a major headache in my life! I don’t want him/her!”
I can’t answer this question on your behalf, but I can share with you what my answer would be: “No way!” Why would my response be that way? Very simple, because I love my children.
The same is true with our Heavenly Father. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV
Imagine dying to save a rebellious hard necked person! God did that for you. He did that for me!
When Jesus saw Judas he knew that eventually Judas would betray him. That didn’t stop Him from loving him and reaching out to him. Every opportunity was given to Judas for him to get to know Jesus intimately. However Judas had a choice to make. Accept Jesus or follow his own desires.
Jesus’ goal while He was ministering on our planet was: Matt 9:13 “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." NIV This was true also among His disciples. None were righteous. Not one of them! None could boast of their own merits. Every one received the opportunity to know Jesus personally and be saved, Judas included.
When judgment will come, Judas will be unable to accuse God for not caring, for not trying to reach out to him. The same is true for you and me my friend. Jesus loves you. He died for you. What will you do with it? Will you follow Judas’ footsteps and lead a selfish life of hardship and confusion, a life that eventually will lead you to your own destruction? Or would you prefer to follow Peter’s footsteps, and although he was far from perfect, he followed in Jesus’ footsteps and was saved for eternity. What choice will you make? Invite Jesus in your heart now. Answer His call at http://www.answers2prayer.org/saviours_call.html and enjoy the inner peace that comes only from knowing Jesus.
So the major reason why Jesus choose Judas is:
1. Because Jesus loved Judas and was reaching out to Judas.
If we delve deeper in God’s Scriptures we notice there are some other reasons as well.
John 6:64 “Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.” NIV
In John 6:66 the Scriptures say: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” NIV
Why would so many disciples stop following Jesus?
The reason is given in verse 64: They did “not believe” in Jesus.
It is interesting that Jesus called them “betrayers”. Those who really follow Jesus are never called “betrayers”, as they will never desert Jesus.
In this same passage we read: John 6:70-71 “Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)” NIV
Jesus was well aware when He choose Judas that he would betray him. That didn’t stop Jesus from loving him and reaching out to him. Every opportunity was given to Judas to accept salvation from Jesus.
At the same time Judas’ selection was according to God’s plan. John 5:19-20 "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does." NIV
Jesus was joining His Father at work. Judas was part of God’s plan. Although every opportunity was given to Judas to accept Jesus as his Saviour, he turned against Jesus and betrayed Him, fulfilling prophecy:
John 13:18-23 "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me." After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.” NIV
The prophecy quoted comes from Ps 41:9 ‘Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” NIV
By doing so, Judas became a “son of perdition”. He changed his allegiance from being a disciple to becoming a "son of perdition".
John 17:12 “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” NKJV
We have now 2 more reasons of Jesus’ choice of Judas:
2. Because it was God’s will.
3. Because it fulfilled prophecy.
It’s interesting to notice that not once did Judas refer to Jesus as "Lord". The highest title he ever gave to Jesus was "Rabbi", or teacher. Judas never once had truly accepted Jesus as His Lord and Saviour.
Authority had been given to him though, as well to all the other disciples. Matt 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” NIV Judas had experienced the power of God in his life. It seemed to anyone who met him that he was one of the faithful followers of Christ.
However Scriptures warn us: Matt 7:22-23 “Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” NIV
Driving out demons and performing miracles in the name of the Lord does not necessarily mean that you are saved!
Jesus alluded to this fact in his parable of the seeds and weeds: Matt 13:27 “'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'” NIV
We are astonished as well when we notice some weeds among the “good seed” Christians in our church. We wonder out loud as well “Where then did the weeds come from?" Those weeds do not make sense in a church! Haven’t they all heard the Good News about what Jesus did for us? Why are these weeds among us?
Jesus answer: Matt 13:28 8 "'An enemy did this,' he replied.” NIV
Now we may be tempted to uproot those weeds from among our midst. Wouldn’t we react like the servants: Matt 13:28 "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' “ NIV
Jesus is very clear on that as well: Matt 13:29-30 "'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" NIV
It isn’t our job to do the weeding among our midst. God wants to give every opportunity to those who are considered “weeds” to get to know Him and accept Him in their life. However a time will come where their time is up, and if they continue in their stubborn streak of remaining “weeds”, they will be uprooted at harvest time, when Jesus will returns to our planet.
Are you a weed or are you a seed? Prayerfully consider this. It isn’t too late to give your heart to Jesus.
Jesus choose Judas because He was well aware that there would be always Judas' in our midst. He set us an example to accept them the way they are and to love them, pointing their way to the cross.
4. Because Jesus set an example for us towards those who are unsaved
You may have been hurt personally by a “Judas”. You heart may have been broken and your trust shattered. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus went through the same thing. He sympathize with you and will give you comfort in the shelter of His arms. Come to Him and enjoy His fellowship. He will never betray you!
Heb 4:15-16 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” NIV
5. Because Jesus wanted to relate to you personally.
Although Judas betrayed Jesus, he confessed later on: Matt 27:4 "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." NIV
The one who betrayed Jesus and led Him to a terrible painful death on the cross realized that he had done wrong. He had betrayed “innocent blood”. His testimony became one of moral excellence of Jesus Christ. No fault could be found in Him, not one single fault. How sad it would be for you to realize too late (like Judas) that Jesus is “innocent” and that He could have saved you. It’s still not too late my friend to become friends with your Forever Friends.
6. Because Judas would become an impartial witness of Jesus’ moral excellence.
The most amazing part of Jesus’ betrayal, is how Jesus reacted towards Judas when he came with a host of soldiers to single out Jesus. Matt 26:50 Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." NIV
He called Judas His friend, although he was betraying him! Salvation was still possible to Judas! Jesus cared for His friend although His friend had erred.
The same is true while Jesus was suffering on the cross. His thoughts always went out to others first: Luke 23:34 “Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” NIV
This shows the beauty of our Saviour. He cares and loves us, reaching out at every opportunity to bring us home. We are the ones who bring ourselves destruction for eternity. It isn’t Jesus. The choice is ours to accept Him in our life. Won’t you do that now by answering His call at
http://www.answers2prayer.org/saviours_call.html
7. Because it showed His beauty.
Rob Chaffart
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The ministry of Jesus is global. He came to save the entire world.
Mark 1:15 say “The Kingdom of God is near, repent and believe the good news.
He came and His own received him not but as many as receive him to them gave He
power to become children of God.
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER
If go through the scripture especially Luke 8, Jesus explained a parable of the
sower. This indicated different kinds of believers that are on the face of the
earth.
Luke 8:11-15.
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along
the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word
from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock
are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no
root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The
seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their
way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not
mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart,
who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
Jesus desired that everything who obeyed His call to repentance should
ultimately make heaven but He would not force any one. Jus as salvation is not
by force, he would not compel anyone. We all have been given free will.
CLEANSING PROCESS
Pro. 30:5
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Pro. 2:1
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you.”
All of the above passages are cleansing agents to help believers walk with God
until the end. God desires that man should feed on His word for growth.
THE CASE OF PETER AND JUDAS
The Lord Jesus chose the two of them. One denied him 3 consecutive times even
though he had been warned. The other betrayed him; although Jesus knew it. But
if you go through scriptures all of these had been known Jesus before in order
that the scripture might be fulfilled.
You must always be on guard. The devil can use anybody. It takes discipline and
obedience of the Word of God not to sin. The devil would tantalize you to sin
but if you will not heed, he will flee from you. The Bible says: Resist the
devil and He will flee from you.
THE CASE PETER’S DENIAL
Luke 22:54-62
“Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high
priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the
middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A
servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him
and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,”
he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of
them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted,
“Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man,
I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster
crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the
word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will
disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
THE CASE OF JUDAS BETRAYAL
Mark 14:17-26
“When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at
the table eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me –
one who is eating with me.” They were saddened, and one by one they said to him,
“surely not I?” “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into
the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But
woe to that man who betrays the son of Man! It would be better for him if he had
not been born.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke
it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he
took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to
them. “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine
until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” When they had sung a
hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
THE TWO INSTANCES ARE PROBLEMS OF THE HEART
Isaiah 35:4 “Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear your God
will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to
save you.”
Jeremiah 4:4
“Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and
people of Jerusalem, or my wrath will break out and burn like fir because of the
evil you have done – burn with no one to quench it.”
Matt. 5:8 “Blessed ad the poor in Spirit (heart) for they will see God.
CONCLUSION
What really happened to the two men above were principally the problems of the
heart. While Peter was afraid of what the consequence of his association with
Jesus would be to the accusers of the Lord, Judas on the other hand was grieved
with the mammon of this world (money). He was also afraid of financial profit
that was promised him.
We should all learn from the two gentlemen that failed Jesus. While Peter
repented and wept bitterly, Judas only showed remorse but was not repentant.
Where are you denying your Lord? Is your ways right? Have you sold your
birthright (salvation) to the devil? Are you standing for him and resisting
temptation in your place of work, school, vocation, business etc?
It is important that we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Jesus would not force anyone to heaven. On the two occasions mentioned above,
the two brethren could have prevented it by taking their stand and guarding
their hearts by the Word which they had Jesus preached several times to them.
Why must you compromise your faith in Jesus?. Friendship with the world is
enmity with God.
Thank for God Peter who allowed prayers to be effective upon his destiny. It is
not late for you to repent if you have forsaken the Lord. Don’t be like Judas.
Don’t pretend. Repent and the Lord would have mercy upon your life. It is not
too late for you.
You are responsible for your sins. You take step to repent and be converted so
that your end may be well. The soul that sins will die! (eternal death!).
God bless you!
Rev Debo Adeyemo
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Although the betrayal of Jesus was part of God's
Sovereign plan, Judas was not a puppet of God's will, he
made a choice. God knew what that choice would be and it was
confirmed by Jesus.
Faithful believers should check their choices and behavior,
especially any in secret or high positions of authority.
Others are always injured by betrayal; it is human nature at
its worst.
Disciples today can learn lessons from the characters of the
certain types of people who are portrayed in The Bible.
Judas is the example of 'the insider' who is really not an
insider at all but stood with the priests opposed to Jesus.
Judas' life teaches believers to beware of hypocrisy,
deceitfulness, the hardening influences of sin,
covetousness, despondency.
Salvation is for those who believe in and trust Jesus to the
end.
The Lord used Judas as an example for all of us to learn
from. What sin and betrayal can do. We must choose
correctly. We must choose the Lord and ONLY Him.
Deedee
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God isn't willing for any to perish, 2 Peter 3:9, "The
Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that
any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Judas made the deliberate choice to sell Jesus out. I
believe he could have been saved had he only repented of his
sins and believed the Lord to save him.
Yours, because of Calvary,
Delmer Lawson
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I think it was because it was in God's original plan,that is why Jesus chose Judas.
Darlene Bevins
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Jesus knew every thing, he knew that he had to come in the world to die for our sins, he also knew that Judas was the one all the time, but he still love him as well, also, to let the other disciples know that there are wolves in sheep clothing, if it happen to me, Jesus, it will happen to you also , be careful. i am alpha and omega the beginning and the end.
Kevin Rauls
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Jesus told His disciples in John 6:70, ""Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" (NIV). Jeus knew His part in the redemptive plan of humanity and realized that His sacrifice was absolutely necessary for grace to prevail. In order for Him to fulfill Scripture He would have to be betrayed, hence the need for Judas to be one of His disciples. While it pained Jesus to be betrayed by a kiss, it pained Him even more to see us lost in our sins.
James Gillespie
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St. John ,chapter 13 answers the question concerning Jesus and Judas Iscariot. Ye are not all clean, read the whole chapter to get the message.
Kevin
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Jesus only said, did and knew what the Father told him.
Todd Shilt
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Knowing all things, The Lord Jesus knew of Judas betrayal
before he picked him. I believed he picked Judas to fulfill
the prophecy that He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of
silver. I do not believe Judas was without free choice. The
Lord Jesus knew what his choice would be.
In Christ, Johnny Johnston
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The simple answer is this: Jehovah determined the course of the universe before creation. He already knew exactly what would happen even before he created Satan. When he threw Satan to earth it was not by mistake. God revealed Christ's suffering to his prophets (See Mat26 vs 24,31; Mark 9 vs12; Luke18 vs31; John 15vs25 and Acts 13Vs 29). Jesus was there when making the plans. He knew exactly each and every moment of his life. Whatever he did, he did it to fulfill his plans.
Since he made the plans, therefore, there is no way he >was going to break his own Word. In other words, he knew exactly the consequences of choosing Judas and Peter.
Beautie Kanjo
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Jesus chose Judas because it is the nature of God to
treat good and bad alike. That way Jesus has given Judas an
opportunity to repent, change and amend his ways. At times
we are worse sinners than Judas but God out of generosity
and love for us has chosen us to be His followers. When we
speak about Judas we are reminded to appreciate the loving
kindness God has shown us and call to repent and correct our
ways. May the figure of Jesus who was kind and gentle to
Judas pardon all our sins.
Damian
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My answer is that Jesus as God knew what was in the heart of Judas hence picked
him .
SS Mzimela
