1. Son of Simon Iscariot, man of Kerioth of Judea ( Jn.6:71), therefore, likely the only disciple not a Galilean Jew. 2. One of 12 disciples. (Not to be confused with the other disciple called Judas, Lk.6:16.) 3. Designated as keeper of the bag (money), therefore, well trusted in his day. (Jn.12:6) 4. Called a thief by John years later in his writing. (Jn.12:6) 5. Early reference to his treason, though not named. (Jn.6:70) 6. Identified as the one at the Passover meal. (Mat.27:3) 7. The Synoptists only mention him in the listing of the 12 until the Passion. John gives two earlier mentions into Judas' life, both of which are preliminary indications of: (1) when his heart likely turned, 6:66-71; and (2) when he determined to betray Christ, 12:7 (at Christ's rebuke). So, by 13:2,27, it comes as no surprise to the reader that Judas is clearly acting within his own volition and not God supplanting his will. 8. Probably not present afterwards at the institution of the Lord's Supper which occurred after his sop. Because of this act, he probably was positioned immediately on Jesus' left (John being on His right), which was the place of honor at the Table. (Jn.13:30; Mat.26:26) 9. Satan having entered him until the deed is done, and having no more need of him, leaves him to his own senses to fully realize the great tragedy he committed — much like the initial attitude of The Prodigal before coming to his senses. (Lk.15:11-17a; Mat.27:3-10) 10. The tragedy of Judas was not that he betrayed Jesus, for He was destined to go to the Cross (even Peter cursed Him, Mat.26:74), rather, unlike Peter (Jn.21:15), he failed to seek His mercy. His confession was to the priests rather than to Christ, Mat.27:4. Had he waited for Jesus to come to him as Peter. . . 11. He was the single lost sheep Jesus failed to keep from the devices of Satan. (Jn.17:12; Acts 1:16-20) 12. [See notes on Chapter 13.] 13. The darkness in is soul, resistant to Jesus' light, drove him to his desperate end. He could not bear the burden of his betrayal and so he took his own life. If he had only waited 3 more days?? (Here is a message of hope to any desperate one of any day. When you think all hope is gone and you have come to the end — wait 3 more days — seek Christ, and the answer will come. God always meets one in desperate moments. Do not listen to the lies of the Deceiver and act hastily! Ps.27:14; 31:24; 62:5; 69:3; 130:5; Isa.40:31.) 14. Many theories have been proposed as to the heart and mind of this Judas. Barclay best answers all those who would offer judgment: "When we feel ourselves mercilessly condemning Judas Iscariot because he betrayed his Lord, let us remember that Jesus once said, 'He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone' (John 8:7)" (Barclay, p. 80).