Why Was Jesus Crucified? The Betrayal of Judas and the Greatest Act of Love
Why Was Jesus Crucified? The Betrayal of Judas and the Greatest Act of Love
A Night That Changed the World
It was a dark night in Jerusalem. The air was thick with tension. Jesus, a man who had spent three years healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and preaching about God’s love, was about to be arrested. The religious leaders wanted Him dead. The Roman authorities saw Him as a troublemaker. And one of His closest friends—Judas Iscariot—was about to betray Him.
But why? Why did Jesus have to die? And why did Judas, a man who had walked with Jesus, seen His miracles, and heard His teachings, turn against Him?
This is the story of the crucifixion—the most shocking act of betrayal and the most beautiful act of love in history.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
Jesus wasn’t just a good teacher or a miracle worker. He claimed to be the Son of God, the promised Savior who would rescue people from sin. But how? By dying.
1. The Problem of Sin
From the beginning, humanity had a problem: sin. Sin separates us from God. No matter how hard we try, we can’t fix this on our own. The Old Testament shows how people sacrificed animals to atone for sin, but those sacrifices were temporary.
Jesus came as the final, perfect sacrifice. He lived a sinless life, then willingly gave Himself up to pay for our sins.
2. A Love Stronger Than Death
God’s love is so deep that He was willing to suffer for us. Jesus didn’t just die—He took the punishment we deserved.
"God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
3. Victory Over Death
The crucifixion wasn’t the end. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving He had power over sin and death. Now, anyone who believes in Him can have forgiveness and eternal life.
Judas Iscariot: The Man Who Betrayed Jesus
Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He traveled with Him, saw miracles, and even carried the money bag for the group. But something went terribly wrong.
Why Did Judas Betray Jesus?
The Bible gives us clues:
Greed
Judas loved money. When a woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, Judas complained, "Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?" (John 12:5). But he didn’t care about the poor—he was a thief (John 12:6).Disappointment
Many Jews, including Judas, expected Jesus to be a political Messiah—a king who would overthrow Rome. But Jesus kept talking about suffering and dying. Judas may have felt betrayed himself.Satan’s Influence
The Bible says Satan "entered Judas" (Luke 22:3). He didn’t just make a mistake—he gave himself over to evil.
The Betrayal
Judas went to the religious leaders and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?" (Matthew 26:15). They paid him 30 pieces of silver—the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32).
Then, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas led soldiers to Jesus and identified Him with a kiss—a sign of friendship turned into betrayal.
What Happened to Judas?
After Jesus was arrested, Judas was filled with guilt. He threw the money back at the priests and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). His story is tragic—a man who was so close to Jesus but chose darkness instead.
The Trial and Crucifixion: An Unjust Death
Jesus was taken to the high priest, then to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
The Religious Leaders’ Hatred
The priests accused Jesus of blasphemy (claiming to be God). But they couldn’t execute Him—only Rome could. So they twisted His words, saying He claimed to be a king, which was treason against Caesar.
Pilate’s Dilemma
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He even said, "I find no basis for a charge against this man" (Luke 23:4). But the crowd, stirred up by the priests, shouted, "Crucify Him!"
Afraid of a riot, Pilate gave in. He washed his hands, saying, "I am innocent of this man’s blood" (Matthew 27:24). But he ordered the crucifixion anyway.
The Crucifixion
Jesus was beaten, mocked, and forced to carry His own cross. At Golgotha (the "Place of the Skull"), soldiers nailed Him to the cross between two criminals.
As He hung there, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
At noon, darkness covered the land. After hours of agony, Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30)—then He died.
At that moment, the temple curtain—which separated people from God’s presence—tore in two (Matthew 27:51). The barrier between God and humanity was gone.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Jesus’ death wasn’t just a historical event. It was God’s plan to rescue us.
1. Forgiveness Is Possible
No matter what you’ve done, Jesus’ sacrifice covers it. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us" (1 John 1:9).
2. Love Wins Over Evil
Judas’ betrayal led to the greatest act of love. Satan thought he had won—but Jesus turned evil into good.
3. We Must Choose
Judas had a choice. So do we. Will we reject Jesus, or will we accept His forgiveness?
Final Thought: The Invitation
Jesus died for you. Not because you deserved it, but because He loves you.
If you’ve never trusted Him, today is the day. Just pray:
"Jesus, I believe You died for me. Forgive my sins. Be my Savior. Help me follow You. Amen."
That’s it. No fancy words. Just faith.
And if you’ve already believed—remember His love. Share it. Live it. Because the cross isn’t just a story.
It’s hope for the world.