Did Jesus Love His Betrayer Judas?

Exploring Jesus and Judas: Was Betrayal a Divine Necessity?

Above: The Arrest of Christ (Kiss of Judas ) by Giotto (1266–1337). Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. The disciple, Peter, at the left of the painting is cutting off the ear of a soldier with a dagger. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

Did Jesus love Judas? Two apostles, Judas Iscariot and Peter, betrayed Jesus, but one ultimately punished himself, while the other asked for mercy.

Look what Jesus said to Judas when Jesus knew he was being betrayed:

Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. (Matthew 26:50, NIV)

He’s telling him he knows what’s happening, that it’s all part of a plan.

Was Jesus’ Betrayal Part of a Greater Plan? Understanding His Love for Judas

Everything happens for a reason, part of a bigger plan. When his mother asks Jesus to turn water into wine (his first public miracle, John 2:1–11), he says it’s not yet his time.

His mother doesn’t respond to the son’s pushback but tells the stewards, “Do whatever he tells you,” because she knows her son will answer his mother.

But during Holy Week, Jesus knows his time has come, and now he says so. Let’s look closer at Matthew 26:14 -25:

Judas goes to the chief priests and asks, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They…