Introduction

By Anabel Stone, Colton Mull, Eva Rogers

‘When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.’ Matthew 27:3 N.I.V.

Questions for Discussion

1. Has a friend ever betrayed you?
a. If so, how did that feel?
b. Were you able to forgive and forget?

2. Have someone read the following verses and share what you learn in your group:

‘Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So, he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.’ Mark 14:10-11

a. Notice, Judas was promised money from the chief priests to betray Jesus.

‘Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.’ Luke 22:1-6

b. Notice Satan entered Judas so that he looked for a time to give Jesus to the authorities.

‘When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.’ John 18:1-3

‘Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.’ Mark 14:43-46

c. Notice Judas met up with the chief priests and Pharisees to betray Jesus in the garden.

‘Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. So, they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor. When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That’s your responsibility.’ So, Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.’ Matthew 27:1-5

d. Notice Judas received his money but instantly felt sorry for betraying Jesus and killed himself.

3. If Judas was a disciple and followed Jesus, why would he betray Him?

What do you think happened to change the way Judas thought about Jesus?

4. How do you suppose Jesus thought and felt about this betrayal?

a. Why would Jesus choose Judas as a disciple if He knew ahead of time that He would be betrayed by him?

b. Why didn’t Jesus try to prevent this from happening to Him?

5. Why did Judas take his life after giving Jesus over to the authorities?

6. How can temptations like money, fame, and power change how we think and act?