Did Judas Repent?

April 10, 2026

Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”

Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3

When you read the story about Jesus' betrayal Barrabas seems more like the type to betray Him. Afterall, Barabbas was an insurrectionist. He rebelled and was arrested for resisting authority. But Barabbas, the guilty, walked away free as Jesus took his place.

No, the betrayer, came from within Jesus' beloved twelve. Satan always uses those we love to hurt us the most. There were two betrayers that night Judas and Peter. They both heard the same words (“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3) and saw the same miracles (...He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. John 11:43-44). These are only two examples. There are too many to list here that are recorded in scripture. And not only that, the last verse of the book of John says, And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Think of what they saw and heard! And yet Judas wasn't impressed. Judas has to be the most clueless man that ever lived. Why do I say that?

1. He had no fear of exposure! But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said,  “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for ^[bthree hundred denarii and given to the poor?”  This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. John 12:4-6

2. “Rabbi, is it I?”  Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. John 13:23-27

When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned he felt remorseful and returned the money. Was the remorse enough to show a repentent heart? Let's compare Judas to Peter. Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!”

A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept. Mark 14:71-72

Judas admitted his wrongdoing, but Peter was truly sorry. He wept because each and every day his love and admiration had grown for Jesus and most importantly he recognized who Jesus was.  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15-16

There was no love lost for Jesus by Judas.  But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” The kiss of Judas was the ultimate form of hypocrisy. He was mocking Him!

Because Jesus knows all things he said this of His betrayer: The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Matthew 26:24

There would be no repentance.