Have you ever heard someone say that Jesus Christ can’t be the Son of God, because the Bible is full of inconsistencies? They say, “If the Bible is full of lies, then how can you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?” It’s just another lie from the Bible! Well, there are people who are playing a shell game with you. They make these false connections and try to confuse you.
In order to see any inconsistencies in recording Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and whether it disproves Judas betrayed Jesus and that Jesus Is the Son of God, I will need to do an in-depth comparison of the Gospel recordings of this event. In doing this extensive research, I will line the Gospel passages up side by side from the New King James Version of the Bible (NKJV) in order to make a detailed comparison to see if any discrepancies are significant. I will put my analysis and opinions within brackets, for those who want to read the research information on Biblical Proof! at https://biblicalproof.blogspot.com Otherwise, I will try to let you know when I’m sharing my analysis or opinion. Additionally, some Bible verses use both he and him within the same sentence. I will put who is speaking and who is spoken to within brackets, unless it’s easy to understand from the text.
Matthew 26:10-20 says: But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. “For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. “For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do you want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” and He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, the Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Now as they were eating, He [Jesus] said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. “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.” Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He [Jesus] said to him [Judas], “You have said it.”
Matthew 26:47-50 further says: And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, is the One, seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
Mark 14:3-21 And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? “For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. “For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good, but Me you do not have always. “She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him [Jesus] to them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him. Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare that You may eat the Passover?” And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. “Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. In the evening He came with the twelve. Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.” And they began to be sorrowful and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?” He answered and said to them, ‘It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. “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 never been born.”
Mark 14:40-46 further says: And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. Then He [Jesus]came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and scribes and the elders. Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” As soon as he [Judas] had come, immediately he went up to Him [Jesus] and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him.
Luke: 22:1-14 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him [Jesus] to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude. Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat. So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?” And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. “Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’ So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.
Luke 22:21 says: “But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. “And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”
Luke 22:45-48 further says: When He [Jesus] rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’ ”
John 13:1-2 says: Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him.
John 13:18-19 says: “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, “He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ “Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.”
John 13:21-30 goes on to say: When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples whom Jesus loved [John]. 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 Isacriot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him [Judas]. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” But no one at the table knew for what reason He [Jesus] said this to him [Judas]. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast, “ or that he should give something to the poor. Having received the piece of bread, he [Judas] went out immediately. And it was night.
John 18:1-9 further says: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. [I think this is speaking of the disciples, based on Mark 14:48-50 which says: “I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then they all forsook Him and fled.] Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
First of all, I need to see if there are any discrepancies related to the Judas’ betrayal of Jesus in the four Gospels. Initially, I will look at when Judas first decided to betray Jesus. I will put the portions of the above passages that I’m evaluating below for ease in comparison.
In Matthew 26:12-16 says: “For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
Mark 14:8-11 says: “She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.
Luke 22:1-6 says: Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.
John 13:1-2 says: Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him.
[Well, the Gospels of Matthew and Mark both say that right after Jesus’ had been anointed with oil, Judas went to see the priests and asked what they would give him to betray Jesus. Luke’s reporting of Judas seeking out the priests to see how much he would be given to betray Jesus is similar, except that Luke didn’t have this happen right after Jesus’ being anointed by the oil was told in chapter 7, but Judas’ contacting the priests is in chapter 22. In the Gospel of John, it doesn’t have specifics as to when Judas first decided to betray Jesus. John 13:2 says: And supper [Last Supper] being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him.]
[In my opinion, that doesn’t mean that Judas couldn’t have first decided to betray Jesus at some earlier point, like after the woman put oil on Jesus’ head. When I analyze this to see if any of these differences is significant enough to determine that Judas didn’t betray Jesus or that Jesus Is the Son of God, I would say most definitely not!!! It doesn’t really matter if Judas made the decision to betray Jesus after Jesus was anointed with oil, right after the Last Supper or at some other time. Each of the four Gospels do corroborate that Judas had decided to betray Jesus at some point before the actual betrayal.]
Next, I will look at the passages of Judas’ actual betrayal of Jesus. Again, I will put the portions of the Gospel texts side by side to more carefully identify any inconsistencies.
Matthew 26:47-50 further says: And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, is the One, seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
Mark 14:40-46 further says: And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. Then He [Jesus]came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and scribes and the elders. Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” As soon as he [Judas] had come, immediately he went up to Him [Jesus] and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him.
Luke 22:45-48 further says: When He [Jesus] rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’ ”
John 18:1-9 further says: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. [I think this is speaking of the disciples, based on Mark 14:48-50 which says: “I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then they all forsook Him and fled.] Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
[Let’s see, the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, both talk about Judas giving the soldiers a sign that they should seize the person he [Judas] kisses and that he [Judas] kissed Jesus in the garden. The Gospel of Luke doesn’t tell about Judas telling the soldiers of the sign of the kiss, but does say that he kissed Jesus. Luke 22:48 says: But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’ ” The Gospel of John says that Judas came with a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, but does not mention Judas kissing Jesus prior to the actual betrayal.]
[Is that inconsistency significant. I hardly think so, since it says that Judas came with a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, which shows that Judas was involved in Jesus’ betrayal whether he kissed Jesus and it wasn’t stated or whether he didn’t. What was significant is that Judas betrayed Jesus.]
We could talk about the inconsistencies with the descriptions of those who were with Judas when he betrayed Jesus.
Matthew 26:47 says: And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Mark 14:43 says: And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and scribes and the elders.
Luke 22:47 says: And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him.
John 18:3 says: Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
[In my opinion, each of the four Gospels basically say the same thing, that there were a multitude/detachment of troops, officers from the chief priests and Pharisees when Judas betrayed Jesus.]
[In conclusion, none of these inconsistencies disproves that Judas betrayed Jesus or that Jesus Is the Son of God. Furthermore, the most important parts of these passages, in my opinion, weren’t analyzed above, so I will put them below.]
- Matthew
26:10 says: “For in pouring
this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.”
- Matthew
26:21says: Now as they were eating, He [Jesus] said, “Assuredly , I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
- Matthew
26:23-25 says: He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in
the dish will betray Me. “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. Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered
and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He [Jesus] said to him [Judas], “You have said it.”
- Mark
14:8 says: “She has come
beforehand to anoint My body for burial.”
- Mark
14:18 says: Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray
Me.”
- Mark
14:21 says: “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
never been born.”
- Luke
22:21 says: “But behold, the
hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. “And truly the Son of Man
goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is
betrayed!”
- Mark
14:41-42 says: Then He [Jesus]came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has
come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
“Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
- John
13:1-2 says: Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that
His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father,
having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And
supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of
Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him.
- John
13:21 says: When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit,
and testified and said, “Most
assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
- John 13:18-19 says: “I do not speak concerning all of you. I
know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, “He who
eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ “Now I tell you
before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am
He.”
- John
13:21 says: When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit,
and testified and said, “Most
assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
- John
13:26-27 says: 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 Isacriot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread,
Satan entered him [Judas]. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
[These passages all provide additional proof that Jesus Christ, our Savior, knew that He was going to be betrayed and give His life for our sins. Who could do that, but the Son of God! The most significant part is that in addition to knowing He would be betrayed, Jesus knew He would be hit, mocked, spit upon and scourged, before being hung on a cross to die a torturous death, but He still went through it for us! He did this so those who believe in Him as their Savior could one day join Him in Heaven. That’s where I want to be when it’s my time! What about you??? Don’t let people confuse you by minor inconsistencies, it could cost you your salvation.]
