Why did Jesus pick Judas?
The Bible does not provide a definitive answer as to why Jesus chose Judas as one of his twelve disciples. However, some scholars believe that Jesus chose Judas to fulfill a specific purpose in his ministry. Judas was the only disciple who was not from Galilee, and his presence may have been intended to demonstrate that Jesus' message was meant for all people, not just the Jews. Additionally, Judas' betrayal of Jesus was necessary for the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation.
The selection of Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve disciples by Jesus has been a topic of speculation and interpretation for centuries. The New Testament does not explicitly state the reasons why Jesus chose Judas, but there are some insights that can be found in the Bible. Here are a few possible reasons suggested by scholars:
1. Free Will: Jesus had the ability to choose his disciples freely, and it is possible that he purposefully chose Judas knowing that he would eventually betray him. This choice demonstrates the concept of free will and that humans have the capacity to make their own choices.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The betrayal of Jesus by Judas could fulfill Old Testament prophecies, such as Psalm 41:9, which says, "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me." This shows that God's plan was at work, and the betrayal was an important part of Jesus' mission.
3. Teach A Lesson: Jesus may have chosen Judas to teach his disciples important lessons about loyalty, forgiveness, and the nature of evil. By experiencing betrayal firsthand, the other disciples learned about love, forgiveness, and the consequences of their own actions.
4. Judas' Potential: It is also possible that Jesus saw potential in Judas, hoping that he would change his ways. Despite his later actions, Jesus treated Judas as one of his disciples, giving him the opportunity to learn and grow.
In the end, the exact reasons why Jesus chose Judas remain a matter of interpretation and speculation. The Bible does not provide a definitive answer, and different scholars and theologians may have varying perspectives on this topic.