JUDAS’ JOURNEY (JOHN 18:1-12)

Judas’ Journey: The Peril of a Self-Serving Path When we consider the theme of Judas’ journey, we are not merely looking at a historical travel log from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane. Rather, we are examining the trajectory of a human life—a series of choices, desires, and steps that define an ultimate…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Jan 9, 2026

4–5 minutes

bible, christianity, faith, jesus, judas

Judas’ Journey: The Peril of a Self-Serving Path

When we consider the theme of Judas’ journey, we are not merely looking at a historical travel log from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane. Rather, we are examining the trajectory of a human life—a series of choices, desires, and steps that define an ultimate destination. Judas’ journey serves as a sobering warning: a life steered solely by personal ambition and unchecked desire inevitably leaves a trail of destruction for others.

The Anatomy of a Misguided Ambition

A journey focused entirely on self-gratification is a journey toward spiritual and moral bankruptcy. Judas’ path was not dictated by a sudden lapse in judgment, but was accentuated by a long-standing love for money and personal aggrandisement. In John 12:1-6, Jesus is at a dinner in Bethany where Mary anoints his feet with expensive perfume. Judas Iscariot objects to this act, suggesting the money should have been given to the poor. John’s Gospel, however, reveals that Judas’s objection stemmed from his own greed, as he was a thief who used to steal from the disciples’ common money bag.

The Scripture records:

“Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons… Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.” (John 18:2-3, 12)

Judas used his intimate knowledge of Christ—his proximity to the Divine—to facilitate an arrest. His greed did not just affect his own soul; it led directly to the physical suffering of Jesus and the scattering of the disciples. We must prayerfully ask ourselves: is our current path building others up, or are we willing to sacrifice our relationships and our integrity on the altar of our own desires? We are reminded in the Wisdom Literature:

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

The Illusion of Success

We often see the “Judases” of this world flourishing. They climb the corporate or social ladder through betrayal, ruthlessness, and greed. However, the Psalmist warns us that such success is a fleeting shadow:

“I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.” (Psalms 37:35-36)

Again, Paul admonish us, For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Your decisions today are the bricks of your legacy tomorrow. If your journey is built on being an impediment to others, you may achieve your goals, but you will ultimately have God to contend with. True success is not measured by what we acquire at the expense of others, but by how closely we align our desires with the Will of God.

The Response to Betrayal

If you find yourself on the receiving end of someone else’s “Judas journey”—if you have been betrayed, exploited, or hurt by the greed of another—do not let their sin dictate your character. Paul offers us a higher path:

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19)

Conclusion

Judas’ journey began as a disciple and ended as a traitor because he allowed his heart to be colonised by greed. His life stands as a monumental cautionary tale: we cannot follow Christ while simultaneously chasing the world’s silver. Every step we take either brings us closer to the light of God’s purpose or deeper into the darkness of self-interest.

Call to Action

Today, I challenge you to audit your ambitions. Take a moment of silence to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any “Judas-like” tendencies in your heart—greed, resentment, or the willingness to compromise others for your gain.

Repent of any path that leads away from love and integrity.
Restore any relationship that has been damaged by your self-serving choices.
Commit your journey daily to the Lord, seeking His will above your own.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the light of Your Word, which exposes the hidden corners of our hearts. Lord, forgive us for the times we have allowed greed and selfish ambition to guide our steps. We pray for the grace to be faithful stewards of the trust others place in us. Help us to walk a path of integrity, so that our lives may be a blessing and not a stumbling block. Strengthen those who have been hurt by betrayal, and grant us all the wisdom to align our desires with Your perfect will. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.