Bible Mysteries: How Did Jesus Meet Judas Iscariot?

What do the Gospels say about how Jesus first met Judas?

In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we find lists of the twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot. But these Gospels do not describe the moment Jesus called Judas. They simply present him as one of the chosen Twelve. John’s Gospel, too, introduces Judas without detailing their initial meeting.

This silence in the Gospels about Jesus’ first encounter with Judas teaches us an important lesson. It reminds us that God’s work in our lives often begins in quiet, unnoticed moments. The seeds of our greatest triumphs and deepest struggles may be planted in encounters that seem ordinary at the time.

I see in this silence an invitation to reflect on our own life stories. How often do we overlook the significance of our daily interactions? Each person we meet, each conversation we have, carries the potential to shape our path in powerful ways.

I am reminded that the Gospels were written not as detailed biographies, but as testimonies of faith. Their focus is on the message and meaning of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The authors may not have known or considered it important to record the specific circumstances of Jesus meeting each disciple.

This gap in our knowledge also speaks to the equal status of the disciples in Jesus’ eyes. He did not favor those with dramatic conversion stories or impressive backgrounds. Each was called, each was chosen, regardless of how that call came about.

In our lives of faith, we too are called by Jesus. Like Judas, the beginning of our journey with Christ may not be marked by dramatic events. But the significance lies not in how the relationship begins, but in how we respond to that call each day.

Where did Jesus find Judas and call him to be a disciple?

The Gospels do not provide us with a specific location where Jesus found and called Judas to be his disciple. This absence of detail invites us to reflect more deeply on the nature of God’s call in our lives and the diverse ways in which we may encounter Christ.

Although we know the circumstances of Jesus calling some disciples – like Peter and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee, or Matthew at the tax collector’s booth – Judas’ call remains shrouded in mystery. This lack of information reminds us that God’s invitation can come to us in any place, at any time.

I must note that Judas is often referred to as “Iscariot.” Some scholars suggest this may indicate he came from the town of Kerioth in Judea. If this is true, Judas may have been the only disciple from Judea, with the others coming from Galilee. This could mean Jesus met Judas during his travels in Judea, perhaps in Jerusalem or its surroundings.

But we must be cautious about drawing firm conclusions from limited evidence. The meaning of “Iscariot” is debated, and we cannot be certain of its geographical implications.

I see in this uncertainty a reflection of the human experience. We often cannot pinpoint the exact moment or place where our life’s path takes a major turn. The beginnings of our most important relationships, our vocations, our faith journeys, may be gradual and difficult to locate in time and space.

What we do know is that Jesus chose Judas, wherever and however that choice was made. This reminds us that Christ seeks us out, no matter where we are in our lives. Just as Jesus found Judas in some unknown location, he finds each of us in the unique circumstances of our lives.

The call of Judas, hidden from our view, also speaks to the equality of all disciples in Jesus’ eyes. Whether called from a fishing boat, a tax booth, or an unknown place like Judas, each disciple was equally chosen, equally loved by the Lord.

In our own lives, let us remember that the place of our calling is less important than our response to it. God may call us in the familiar surroundings of our home, in the busy streets of our cities, or in quiet moments of reflection. The crucial thing is that we, like Judas and the other disciples, hear that call and follow.

What was Judas’ occupation or background before following Jesus?

Although we know that Peter and Andrew were fishermen, and Matthew was a tax collector, Judas’ previous occupation is not specified in the biblical texts. This absence of detail reminds us that Christ’s call transcends our earthly roles and identities. In God’s eyes, our worth is not determined by our profession or social status.

But there are some clues that scholars have examined to speculate about Judas’ background. The Gospel of John tells us that Judas was in charge of the disciples’ common purse. This responsibility suggests he may have had some experience with financial matters. Perhaps he was a merchant, a moneylender, or had some other role that involved handling funds.

I must caution against drawing firm conclusions from such limited evidence. Yet, this detail does invite us to consider how our skills and experiences, even those we might consider worldly, can be put to use in service of God’s kingdom.

The name “Iscariot” has also led to speculation about Judas’ background. Some scholars suggest it may mean “man of Kerioth,” possibly indicating his hometown. If true, this would make Judas the only disciple from Judea, with the others being Galileans. This geographical distinction might hint at a different cultural or social background from the other disciples.

Others have proposed that “Iscariot” could be related to the Latin word sicarius, meaning “dagger-man,” which was used to describe zealots who opposed Roman rule. While this is speculative, it reminds us that Jesus’ followers came from diverse political and ideological backgrounds.

I see in these possibilities a reflection of the complex motivations that can draw us to faith. Some may come seeking spiritual fulfillment, others for social change, and still others for personal transformation. Christ welcomes all, whatever their initial reasons for approaching him.

What we can say with certainty is that, like all the disciples, Judas left behind his former life to follow Jesus. This act of leaving one’s past behind is a powerful symbol of the radical nature of Christ’s call. It reminds us that following Jesus often requires us to reevaluate our priorities and be willing to change.

In our own lives, we too are called to follow Christ, regardless of our background or current occupation. Like Judas, we are invited to put our skills and experiences at the service of God’s kingdom. And like Judas, we must be prepared for this call to radically reshape our lives and identities.

How old was Judas when he became one of Jesus’ disciples?

Although we cannot pinpoint Judas’ exact age, we can make some educated guesses based on the cultural and historical context of first-century Palestine. In Jewish society of that time, men typically began their independent religious and social lives around the age of 30. Jesus himself began his public ministry at about this age, as Luke’s Gospel tells us.

Given this context, it’s reasonable to assume that Judas, like most of the other disciples, was likely a young adult, perhaps somewhere between 20 and 40 years old. But we must be cautious about stating this with certainty, as exceptions to social norms always exist.

I find it intriguing to consider how age might have influenced the dynamics among the disciples. Were some older, with more life experience? Were others younger, perhaps more idealistic or impulsive? These are questions we cannot answer definitively, but they remind us of the vast web of human experiences that Jesus wove together in his group of followers.

Psychologically the question of Judas’ age invites us to reflect on how our stage of life influences our spiritual journey. Young adults might be drawn to the radical nature of Jesus’ message, while older individuals might appreciate its wisdom and depth. Christ’s call resonates differently at different points in our lives, yet it is always relevant, always transformative.

The fact that we don’t know Judas’ age also speaks to the universality of Christ’s message. Young or old, we are all called to follow Jesus. The Gospel is not limited to any particular age group or generation. In every stage of life, from youth to old age, we can encounter Christ and be transformed by his love.

In our own faith communities, we see this truth lived out. People of all ages come to faith, grow in their relationship with God, and serve in various capacities. The diversity of ages in our churches reflects the timeless and universal nature of God’s love.

Why did Jesus choose Judas to be one of the Twelve?

We must remember that Jesus, in his divine nature, knew Judas fully from the beginning. As John’s Gospel tells us, Jesus “knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone” (John 2:24-25). Yet, knowing all that would unfold, Jesus still chose Judas. This reminds us of the depth of God’s love, which embraces us despite our flaws and future failings.

Historically we might consider the symbolic importance of the number twelve. Jesus chose twelve disciples to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the renewal of God’s covenant with his people. In this light, Judas’ inclusion speaks to the completeness of God’s plan, which encompasses even those who may betray or fall away.

I see in Jesus’ choice of Judas a powerful illustration of human potential and free will. Judas, like all of us, had the capacity for both great faith and terrible betrayal. Jesus’ selection of him highlights the reality that we all face choices in our faith journey, and that God’s call does not override our freedom to respond.

We might also reflect on how Judas’ presence among the Twelve served a purpose in God’s plan. Through Judas’ betrayal, as tragic as it was, the scriptures were fulfilled and God’s plan of salvation was accomplished. This reminds us that God can work through even our failures and sins to bring about good, though this never justifies or excuses our wrongdoing.

The choice of Judas also teaches us about the nature of discipleship. Being chosen by Jesus is not a guarantee of faithfulness or salvation. It is an invitation, a beginning, that requires our ongoing response. Judas’ story warns us against presumption and reminds us of the need for constant vigilance in our faith.

Judas’ inclusion among the Twelve speaks to the radical inclusivity of Jesus’ message. Christ did not select only those who would prove faithful. He called a diverse group, including those who would doubt, deny, and even betray him. This reminds us that the Church is not a community of the perfect, but a hospital for sinners.

In our own lives, we may sometimes question why God allows certain people into positions of responsibility or influence in the Church. The story of Judas reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways, and that He may have purposes beyond our understanding.

Finally, let us remember that Jesus loved Judas, even knowing what he would do. This is a powerful reminder of God’s unfailing love for each of us, no matter our faults or failures. May we, like Jesus, learn to love even those who may hurt or betray us, always hoping for their redemption.

What special role or responsibilities did Jesus give to Judas?

The most prominent responsibility entrusted to Judas was that of treasurer for the group. John’s Gospel tells us that Judas “had charge of the money bag” (John 12:6). This role required trust and organizational skills. Jesus, in his wisdom, saw fit to give Judas this important task.

We must remember, that Jesus chose all his disciples with purpose, including Judas. Each had a role to play in the divine plan of salvation. Judas’ role, though tragic, was not outside of God’s foreknowledge. Though Judas is often remembered as the betrayer, his actions ultimately contributed to the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. It serves as a sobering reminder that even those who stray from righteousness can be part of a greater narrative. In contemplating Judas’s fate after betrayal, we see the complexity of divine purpose and human choice intertwined in ways that challenge our understanding of forgiveness and redemption.

Like the other disciples, Judas was sent out to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Mark 6:7-13). Jesus gave him the same authority and power as the others for this mission. This shows us that Judas, at least initially, was not treated differently from the other disciples.

Judas was present at key moments in Jesus’ ministry. He witnessed miracles, heard the teachings, and participated in the Last Supper. Jesus included him in these intimate settings, giving him every opportunity to truly know and follow him.

Some traditions suggest that Judas had other responsibilities, such as buying supplies for the group or distributing alms to the poor. Although these are not explicitly stated in Scripture, they align with his role as treasurer.

Jesus knew Judas would betray him, yet he still allowed him to fulfill these roles. This teaches us about God’s patience and the respect he has for human free will. Jesus gave Judas every chance to change his heart.

The ultimate “role” of Judas, of course, was to betray Jesus. While this was not a responsibility given by Jesus, it was a part he played in the unfolding of God’s plan. As painful as it is to contemplate, without this betrayal, the crucifixion might not have occurred as it did.

We must be careful, But not to see Judas as merely a pawn. He made his own choices, influenced by his own desires and the temptations of Satan. Jesus’ foreknowledge did not negate Judas’ free will.

In all of this, we see the complexity of human nature and divine purpose intertwined. Jesus gave Judas responsibilities that could have led him to greater faith and service. Instead, Judas chose a path that led to betrayal.

How did Judas’ relationship with Jesus develop over time?

The relationship between Jesus and Judas is a powerful mystery that unfolds throughout the Gospels. It is a story that touches the depths of human nature and divine love. Let us reflect on this relationship with both compassion and honesty.

At the beginning, Judas was called by Jesus just like the other disciples. He left his former life behind to follow the Master. We can imagine the initial excitement and devotion Judas must have felt, chosen to be part of this extraordinary group.

As they traveled together, Judas witnessed Jesus’ miracles and teachings. He was present for the Sermon on the Mount, the feeding of the five thousand, the calming of the storm. These experiences must have deepened his understanding of who Jesus was.

Yet, even as Judas grew closer to Jesus outwardly, inwardly a distance was developing. John’s Gospel tells us that Judas was stealing from the money bag (John 12:6). This suggests a growing disconnect between Judas’ actions and Jesus’ teachings.

Jesus, in his divine wisdom, was aware of Judas’ struggles. We see moments where he seems to address Judas indirectly, such as his teachings on the dangers of greed. These were opportunities for Judas to change course.

The turning point in their relationship seems to come during the anointing at Bethany. Judas objects to the use of expensive perfume, and Jesus rebukes him. This public correction may have wounded Judas’ pride and hardened his heart further.

As the Last Supper approaches, we see Jesus making final attempts to reach Judas’ heart. He washes Judas’ feet along with the other disciples, a powerful act of love and humility. Even knowing what Judas would do, Jesus serves him.

During the Last Supper itself, Jesus gives Judas a final chance. He announces that one will betray him, and even identifies Judas, yet still allows him to leave and carry out his plan. This shows Jesus’ respect for Judas’ free will until the very end.

The moment of betrayal in Gethsemane is heart-wrenching. Jesus addresses Judas as “friend” even as he is being handed over. This speaks to the complex emotions Jesus must have felt – disappointment, sorrow, but also love.

After the betrayal, Judas experiences deep remorse. Matthew tells us he tried to return the money and declared Jesus innocent (Matthew 27:3-4). This suggests that, even at the end, there was a part of Judas that loved Jesus and recognized his error.

Tragically, Judas’ remorse leads not to repentance but to despair. He takes his own life, unable to believe in the possibility of forgiveness. This final act shows how far he had fallen from the relationship of trust he once had with Jesus.

Throughout this journey, we see Jesus consistently reaching out to Judas with love, even while knowing where things would lead. Jesus never gave up on the possibility of Judas turning back to him.

This development teaches us much about human nature and divine love. We see how small compromises can lead to greater betrayals if not addressed. We also see the patient, persistent love of God that never stops inviting us back, no matter how far we have strayed.

Let us learn from this, my brothers and sisters. In our own relationship with Jesus, let us be vigilant against the small compromises that can lead us astray. And let us always remember that, no matter what we have done, Jesus continues to love us and invite us back to himself.

May we, unlike Judas, have the courage to accept that invitation and return to the loving embrace of our Savior.

What did the Church Fathers teach about Jesus calling Judas as a disciple?

Many of the Fathers, including Origen and Augustine, emphasized that Jesus’ choice of Judas was not a mistake. They saw it as part of God’s providential plan for salvation. Origen wrote that Judas was chosen “not through ignorance but through foreknowledge” (Ryan, 2019, pp. 223–237). This reminds us of God’s sovereignty even in the face of human sin.

At the same time, the Fathers were clear that Judas’ betrayal was his own choice. Augustine taught that while God used Judas’ actions for good, Judas himself was responsible for his decisions. This delicate balance between divine foreknowledge and human free will is a recurring theme in patristic thought.

Some Fathers, like John Chrysostom, reflected on Jesus’ patience and love towards Judas. They saw Jesus’ continued inclusion of Judas among the disciples as a sign of God’s mercy, always offering the chance for repentance. This teaches us about the depth of God’s love, even for those who will ultimately reject him.

Irenaeus and others saw in Judas a warning about the dangers of greed and the love of money. They used his example to exhort believers to be vigilant against temptation. This practical application of Judas’ story shows how the Fathers sought to draw spiritual lessons from even the most tragic events.

An interesting perspective comes from Clement of Alexandria, who suggested that Judas may have initially followed Jesus with sincere motives but was later corrupted. This reminds us of the importance of continual vigilance in our spiritual lives.

Some Fathers, like Ambrose, pondered why Jesus would choose someone he knew would betray him. They concluded that this demonstrated Christ’s commitment to human free will. Jesus gave Judas every opportunity to choose rightly, respecting his freedom until the end.

There were also Fathers, such as Jerome, who saw in Judas’ calling a lesson about not judging by appearances. Jesus chose Judas despite knowing his heart, teaching us not to make hasty judgments about others’ spiritual states.

A common theme among the Fathers was that Judas’ betrayal and its consequences were foretold in Scripture. They saw this as evidence of God’s overarching plan and the fulfillment of prophecy in Christ’s passion.

Some Fathers, like Gregory the Great, used Judas’ example to warn against the dangers of despair. They contrasted Judas’ suicide with Peter’s repentance, encouraging believers to always trust in God’s mercy rather than giving in to hopelessness.

Although the Fathers had strong views on Judas, they generally approached the topic with solemnity rather than harsh condemnation. They saw in his story important lessons about human nature, divine mercy, and the mysteries of providence.

Let us learn from their wisdom, my brothers and sisters. May we approach the difficult questions of our faith with the same depth of thought and reverence for God’s ways. And may we always remember that, like Judas, we are all capable of great betrayal, but also, through God’s grace, of great repentance and redemption.

In all things, let us trust in the wisdom and love of God, who can bring good even out of the darkest moments of human history.

Are there any traditions about Jesus meeting Judas outside of Scripture?

Although the Scriptures provide our primary and most reliable source of information about Jesus and Judas, various traditions and legends have emerged over the centuries. We must approach these with caution, remembering that they are not part of our sacred Scripture. But they can offer interesting insights into how different communities have wrestled with this relationship.

One tradition, found in some Gnostic texts like the Gospel of Judas, presents a radically different view of the relationship between Jesus and Judas. In this account, Judas is portrayed as Jesus’ closest disciple, the only one who truly understands Jesus’ mission (Anderson & Morse, 2016). This text suggests that Jesus secretly instructed Judas to betray him to fulfill God’s plan. Although we do not accept this as true, it shows how early Christians struggled to understand Judas’ role.

Some medieval legends expanded on the biblical narrative, imagining earlier encounters between Jesus and Judas. One such story suggests that Judas worked as a servant in Pilate’s house before meeting Jesus. According to this tale, Jesus healed Judas of leprosy, leading Judas to follow him. Although there’s no historical basis for this, it reflects a desire to understand Judas’ motivations more deeply.

In some Eastern Christian traditions, there are stories of Jesus meeting Judas as a child. These legends often portray Judas as troubled from a young age, with Jesus showing him kindness. Again, these are not historical accounts, but they reveal a tendency to see the seeds of later events in early life.

There are also traditions that imagine conversations between Jesus and Judas that are not recorded in Scripture. Some of these portray Jesus making additional attempts to turn Judas from his path of betrayal. While speculative, these stories highlight Jesus’ persistent love and desire for Judas’ redemption.

In more recent times, various works of fiction and drama have imagined meetings between Jesus and Judas, both before and after the betrayal. Although these are clearly artistic interpretations, they show our ongoing fascination with this relationship and its implications for understanding betrayal, forgiveness, and divine purpose.

Some mystical traditions have even claimed visions of Jesus and Judas in the afterlife, often with themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. Although we cannot put stock in such claims, they reflect a deep human desire to see redemption even in the most tragic of circumstances.

In Islamic tradition, there is a belief that it was not actually Judas who betrayed Jesus, but that God made someone else appear as Judas. This reminds us that the story of Jesus and Judas has resonance beyond Christian traditions.

In some folk traditions, particularly in Eastern Europe, Judas is associated with the origin of certain plants or natural phenomena. These legends, while not about meetings with Jesus per se, show how the figure of Judas has captured the popular imagination.

More recently, some psychological and historical studies have attempted to reconstruct the relationship between Jesus and Judas based on the biblical text and our understanding of the historical context. While not traditions in the usual sense, these scholarly efforts represent ongoing attempts to understand this complex relationship.

As we consider these various traditions and legends, let us remember that they are not equal to Scripture. But they do show us how Christians throughout history have grappled with the difficult questions raised by Judas’ betrayal.

These stories often reflect our human desire for more information, for clearer explanations of motivations and consequences. They reveal our struggle to understand how someone so close to Jesus could betray him, and our hope for ultimate reconciliation.

Let us learn from this, my brothers and sisters. May we approach the mysteries of our faith with both curiosity and humility. Let us not be afraid to ask difficult questions, but always remember that some answers may remain hidden from us in this life.

Above all, let these traditions remind us of the central truth of our faith: that God’s love and mercy are greater than any human betrayal or sin. May we always trust in that love, even when we cannot fully understand God’s ways.

What spiritual lessons can Christians learn from how Jesus called Judas?

The calling of Judas by Jesus offers us powerful spiritual lessons. As we reflect on this aspect of our Lord’s ministry, let us open our hearts to the wisdom and challenges it presents.

We learn about the radical nature of God’s love. Jesus called Judas knowing what would happen. This teaches us that God’s love is not based on our future actions or worthiness, but on His own boundless mercy. It challenges us to love others unconditionally, even when we know they might hurt us (Adeoye, 2023).

We also see in this calling a powerful lesson about human freedom. Jesus respected Judas’ free will, giving him the same opportunities as the other disciples. This reminds us that God always respects our freedom to choose, even when our choices may lead us away from Him. It calls us to value and use our freedom responsibly.

The calling of Judas teaches us about the mystery of God’s providence. While Judas’ betrayal was evil, God used it to bring about the greatest good – our salvation. This doesn’t justify the evil, but it shows us that God can bring good out of even the worst situations. It encourages us to trust God’s plan even in dark times.

We learn about the danger of appearances. Judas appeared to be a faithful disciple for a long time. This warns us against judging by outward appearances and reminds us to continually examine our own hearts. Are we truly following Jesus, or just going through the motions?

The story of Judas’ calling and eventual betrayal teaches us about the subtle nature of temptation. Judas didn’t start out planning to betray Jesus. His fall likely began with small compromises that grew over time. This warns us to be vigilant against even small sins in our lives.

We see in Jesus’ treatment of Judas a model of patience and hope. Jesus continued to treat Judas with love, even knowing what was in his heart. This challenges us to persist in love and hope for others, even when they disappoint us. It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

The calling of Judas also teaches us about the importance of community in discipleship. Judas was part of the group of disciples, yet he isolated himself in his struggles. This reminds us of the need for authentic Christian community where we can be honest about our struggles and support one another.

We learn from this story that being close to Jesus is not enough; we must allow His teachings to transform our hearts. Judas walked with Jesus but did not let Jesus change him inwardly. This challenges us to not just know about Jesus, but to truly know Him and be changed by Him.

The tragic end of Judas’ story teaches us about the danger of despair. Unlike Peter, who repented after his denial, Judas gave in to despair. This reminds us that no sin is too great for God’s forgiveness if we turn to Him with sincere repentance.

Finally, we learn from Jesus’ calling of Judas that God can use even our failures and betrayals in His plan. While this doesn’t excuse our sins, it gives us hope that nothing in our lives is wasted in God’s economy. He can use even our mistakes to teach and shape us.