Someone had to play the guy who betrayed Jesus. 

Finally, the Judas apology video we've been waiting over 2000 years for

I think it’s important to remember that Christ, even though he knew who Judas was, loved him completely. What a powerful example of God’s love for us.

It is crazy that we've never had Judas portrayed in a human, relatable way. When Jesus said that "one of you will betray me..." all of the disciples were worried it would be themselves. None of them pointed a Judas and said, "obviously it's that guy..." He must have been a trusted member of the group. I love the way the show is portraying him, it is going to be heartbreaking to see the final outcome though....

When his sister says to him, "Make us proud", it broke me. Here is the person whose name will become synonymous with traitor, humanized for us. Heartbreaking.

I remember my first reaction to when he was revealed as Judas. It was not what I expected... I said "nooo" outloud and felt my heart sink. I felt pity for Judas. Jesus knew what he would do, but still went about His work. Just a lot to wrap my head around.

Judas is perhaps one of the most important characters in biblical history to delve into. Yes, he is forever, known as the traitor to Jesus. Yet he was an excited and dedicated follower to start, so what changed? I can’t help but think there may be a little bit of Judas - or, at least the potential of being Judas - in all of us. That’s why it is so important to really delve into this character. So glad that The Chosen has embraced this critical role.

Judas’ role has got to be as hard as the role of Jesus, in its own unique way… Luke thank you for being willing to take on this intense role with all its responsibilities and costs, I respect you for it and will be watching your performance with great anticipation and excitement! Know that I, for one, appreciate you for taking on this task! Thank you Luke!

Jesus knew, of course, that Judas would eventually betray him, but was allowed into the group anyway. The look that Jesus gave Judas at 1:07 just chilled me to the bone. It's like "I know what you're going to do, Judas."

It's one of the most heartbreaking ways to tell this man's story. I LIKE him. I FEEL for him. and I KNOW exactly where this ultimately has to go. So every time I RELATE to this character I need to ask myself, "Lord is it I?"

Season 3 is going to be amazing. Watching this made me realize how tough it is playing Judas knowing the outcome. Thank you Luke for playing this role.

The feelings I have for Judas (as portrayed by Luke) can only be summed up by David's grief, "Absalom my son, my son"

I love the way they portrayed Judas. It makes sense to me. If he was just a straight up horrible person, then at the Lord’s Supper, everyone would have just been like, “oh, yeah…..definitely Judas” but they didn’t. They asked Jesus if they were the one who would betray Him. So it makes sense to me that he was real like the rest of them and a likable guy.

Luke plays the part so well, filling Judas with a lot of life. As Judas comes on the screen, I never think "oh, what a traitor; he's so evil." The Chosen is helping us to learn the importance of repentance, to forgive quicker, pray harder and even bless those who have hurt and persecuted us. We're all beautiful creations of God. ❤🌻

Thank you for playing Judas with such compassion. I was reading Matthew 26 this morning and it occurred to me that the whole chapter is about not just Judas, but everyone forsaking Jesus. We have all forsaken him. We all have need of his grace. If we put ourselves above Judas because of his actions, we are missing the point.

It’s tough playing disliked characters because so many people conflate the character with the actor that portrays them. I greatly appreciate that Judas is being portrayed as just another disciple and Luke Dimyan is doing an amazing job with him.

Luke is the perfect actor to fill this role! I'm grateful that we're going to get to see a portrayal of Judas that isn't fully darkness from the get go. Honestly, despite how uncomfortable it is, I think a lot of us are going to see ourselves in Judas' journey. I also anticipate us seeing the slow fade of Judas, similar to Breaking Bad (or Slow Fade by Casting Crowns for those who prefer a more wholesome reference 😜). All I know for sure is that it's going to change hearts!

From the first scene with Luke as Judas (yes I could guess) to his first interview, I knew he would bring so much to this role. You hear why again in this interview! Thanks, Luke and God bless your journey playing this role! 👐🙏💛

Having watching the first two episodes in theaters, you’re in store for something great with Season 3! I’m so stoked! Thank you to The Chosen team. But most of all, much thanks to Our Heavenly Father!!

What's crazy to think about is that Jesus could see beyond the first impressions of Judas. Before Judas said what his name was, I would've NEVER guessed that it was the same guy who was going to betray him, he seems like a genuine young man, and to think that Jesus knew from the beginning and still welcomed him so openly..... Not only a fulfillment of prophecy, but what love!

I shed tears when he accepted the treasury position because I realized he didn't pass the money test. I felt for him and was sorry he couldn't get past it.

The scene where Judas introduces himself...wow, i had such a strong (negative) reaction. I liked him, and hated that i did. My reaction haunted me for a while, but led to an amazing moment for Jesus and me. Ultimately i was able to not only forgive judas, but to pray For him. For his forgiveness, to feel deep compassion toward him and repented for my hatred of him for all these years. I have never experienced instant forgivness before and it's one of the most amazing gifts He's ever given me and he's given me a lot.

If we didn’t love Judas then he could not break our hearts the way he broke Jesus’s heart. Thank you Luke for your beautiful portrayal of Judas 💔.

I really appreciate the technique the writers use in creating the back stories as well as character development. The characters are truly relatable and cause us to soften our hearts towards a fellow human. The actors are doing an incredible job! God’s hand is all over this project.

Judas' story always breaks my heart. The same night Peter denied Christ and chopped an ear off but repented and was forgiven after resurrection. Even Paul was Saul then wrote most of the New Testament. I always thought what might have happened had Judas come to Jesus and repented how we would remember him. And what might a potential book of Judas God could have written through him revealed to us? That's what breaks my heart we will never know 💔 😔

Such a tough role to play. Thanks for being vulnerable, and sharing from your heart...

This might be a bit of a Spoiler for those who haven't seen Judas' introduction yet (which I'm sure you must have seen already if you're currently viewing this video), but I felt like sharing some thoughts, so before warned. The episode where they first introduced Judas was an absolute masterpiece to me, because at the very start they presented two characters that could have been Judas. One looked and behaved the part of the swindler and someone very keen on money (nicely dressed, very smart at getting what he wanted and obviously not ashamed of it at all), while the other looked like a normal every day guy who seemed sincere and not very happy that they were taking advantage of people, but working with the first guy anyway. When I saw those two together, I immediately knew that we were getting a Judas introduction, but I was confused as to who it was and kept jumping back and forth, which I think is what the team wanted. When it became obvious near the end of the episode that Luke's character was Judas, it left me feeling very impressed because what Dallas and company did was put their Judas next to the stereotype that I feel like a lot of Christians visualize when they think of the character of Judas: someone who has a shady side to him that doesn't make you trust him or makes you suspect him. Someone who has obvious traits that makes you go, "That guys the traitor." The Chosen's Judas blew that stereotype out of the water, and I thought it was a really cool bait-and-switch that they did in showing two Judases next to each other: the one we expect, and the one we don't expect. Kind of a long thought but still, really cool. His actor does a fantastic job with the role. I'm definitely going to be shedding tears when everything starts escalating towards the Cross.

What's cool about the way the writers have written Judas - is that they really get into the backstory. Obviously, everyone knows what happens to Judas in the end - and his role within the group towards the end. However, the writers have done an amazing job really introducing the character of Judas in a very optimistic way. And not even giving the slightest hint that he would end up being the betrayer.

I look forward to seeing where your story arc takes us. I think humanizing Judas is great. We can all do things that seem logical and with good intentions that go completely wrong. That’s the risk all humans face. Luckily for most of us our accidental explosions don’t get documented.

Can you imagine although not written in Bible if John or Mary Magdeline in talking to Jesus after his resurrection said, "Master, Judas was remorseful and died of his own hand but I will forgive him as you taught us" He taught them constantly on forgiveness when hurt by others and from the cross, they heard him forgive all who had a hand in crucifying him. It gives me chills and I wish we had something like that but no reason to think they didn't. Human emotion makes us spiteful and hateful and hard but God's grace softens hearts and those he also forgave.

'You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.' Matthew 5:43-45

It's an important part to the whole story, someone had to do it.

This breaks my heart. I’ve reread several times where he admits he was wrong, but then instead of seeking forgiveness like Peter did for his betrayal, he hangs himself. It must have broken Jesus’s heart knowing this very real person was going to end up condemned.

When Judas gives his name at the last second just before the Sermon on the Mount, I got more than chills. The Chosen's take on every single character we've known for 2 thousand years... nothing has ever been like it, and Its a privilege to be able to witness it.

Judas is so important to me, and I’m so grateful that Luke is portraying him with such sensitivity.

I am already anticipating my heart being trampled in season 6. I am glad they are making Judas a relatable, understandable figure, but it's going to make all the more painful in the end.

Dude, your character is so strong, and the interchange with Jesus where Jonathan showed pain and convey confidence back to you. Very likable character which is EXACTLY who he would’ve been. You’re doing a great job, brother.

Through the Chosen series, I’m thinking about the possibilities of the personal lives of each of the disciples Jesus chose. What their lives possibly were before Jesus called them. They all had a job, parents whether living or dead, and dreams for a future. The show has really made me stop and think about what it cost them to give it all up. They too sacrificed something. It humbles my heart so. Thank you all who have been involved in making this incredible show. May God continue to bless the work of your hands. ❤️✝️🙏

I’m so excited to see the dynamic/experience of Judas. He’s always been such an intriguing character to me. I’m sure it’s going to be excellent! Well done Luke!

Oh my goodness I relate with Judas so much. I’m so eager to learn and love Jesus but I disappoint him countless of times. Thank Jesus it’s not about my works rather it is His love ❤

We all put Yeshua on that Cross.

God bless you, Luke. Portraying the role of Judas is really challenging, some may hate you for it, but you bravely step in the role and made Judas three dimensional and a sympathetic character.

I remember after they released Luke's first interview...and we all fell in love with him. Season 6 or 7 is gonna be SO painful, but I think it's gonna be painful in a realistic way that this medium hasn't been able to portray before. And that's exciting.

Even though we all know what’s going to happen I feel like the betrayal will still come as a shock. They’re going to build him up to the point that he could probably end up becoming many people’s favorite character and when he falls it will be so heartbreaking

I know there are more important things to be said about this actor and what he brings to the table for such an important character, but seriously? No one's gonna talk about his eyes? They are stunning!

Judas was lead in a devastating direction which was completely beyond his control. He was as much a part of the puzzle piece and anyone else in this passion drama. The same goes for Pontius Pilate. Without either of them, there would have been no sacrifice...no redemption, and because of this, they should not be reviled for it.

Luke is amazing! He is perfect for this part. It breaks my heart with each scene wanting to love Judas but knowing what his future is. I love how Dallas is weaving little bits of foreshadowing in Judas' life. It is so wonderful for Judas to have dimension now.

I watched the first two episodes of season 3 in theaters and I am so excited to watch the rest of this season!! First off, I don’t think people are understanding the significance of Peter and Judas being paired up!! The comparisons between them are mind blowing.. They both end up going through similar situations where they betrayed Jesus in some way (Judas giving Him up for money, while Peter denies Him 3 times). Yet if you continue reading the story, you’ll see that Peter repented for what he did. All it would’ve taken Judas to do was the same thing… Also, I am so glad that Judas is being portrayed as a normal guy like the rest of the disciples. He was a normal guy that made a huge mistake and I think a lot of people are so quick to write him off as the bad guy when in reality, he isn’t much different than any of us. The truth is, I think everyone is gonna find his story relatable in some way and it’s gonna teach us some valuable lessons.

I cried when Judas was in his first episode. Knowing what happens I was fully prepared to despise him but now I know it will break my heart

Thank you Luke, God bless you through this journey, such a tough role to play. Someone had to do it. I Love the Chosen team

Judas, to me, is one of those complex, complicated figures from the past who gets labeled quickly. Yes, he did betray Christ, but there is so much in his attitude and actions that, as Christians, we can learn from. We don’t see Judas a lot in Scripture, but when he does show up, it speaks VOLUMES! I mean, whose to say Judas wasn’t genuine in the beginning? Something along the way could have changed his heart. That is why I like what Luke says here in the video.

I think of the women who was going to be stoned for adultery whenever I feel like judging Judas. Yes, he is a sinner, and so are we. I would like to believe he genuinely tried to be better, and maybe, just maybe, he will also be there at the pearly gates greeting us.

I remember last Christmas when I introduced The Chosen to my family, as weary as they were, we spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas bingeing The Chosen. I was glad that I was able to experience these raw emotions with my family. When it was revealed who was Judas, I remember all of us crying out "noooooooo" because we knew what was going to happen, within the few moments we fell in love him and his character and to know what would happen was heartbreaking. I remember crying knowing the pain that he was going to go through but could not do anything but have to watch his journey. I am so excited for the new season!!!

I think humanizing Judas is important because we view him as a "bad" person. But for God's plan to come true, someone had to betray Jesus. It also shows that Jesus accepts Judas as he is, knowing what he has done, and will do. Because we have all strayed from God, we have all sinned. Yet God still looks at us, knowing all we will ever do wrong, and says, "You are forgiven, you are welcome in my arms, and I will not turn my back on you."

I can’t hardly wait until Sunday evening when I can finally see Season 3! There are so many Judas’s walking around today believing, portraying and following Jesus but in the end will again betray Him! That makes me cry and to play that character would be so hard- hats off to you Luke!

I loooooved the 3rd season soo much!!! I was in tears each episode!!! Thank you Dallas and all the team, actors, everyone! It is an awesome project! May God bless you daily!! Greetings to everyone from Moldova!

The extent of the Christian walk isn't just loving Jesus, it's also loving Judas Mathew 5:44

Good interview, Luke! I am so excited to see Judas' story portrayed by this wonderful actor.

It’s good to hear from Luke about his character Judas. Just so we know about who he is and what he is searching for. Great interview Luke, can’t wait to watch it.

This guy’s eyes are incredible. They are so eye catching on screen.

It is good to remember that sin is not always apparent. Sin can be easily hid by sparkling eyes, a smile or charm. Draw close to God and pray for spiritual discernment.

I just cannot stress enough how much Luke is the 👏🏾 perfect 👏🏾 person 👏🏾 to play Judas. Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “why on earth, did they cast this person in this role?” Like maybe the actors performance wasn’t bad, but they just weren’t right for the role they were given? And then, (and this goes for literally this whole cast), you see a human being, like this, who was given the role of Judas. And you literally cannot deny the work of God‘s hand being all over the project. Also, Luke is an anime nerd, so obviously you can’t go wrong there. ^_^ Luke, you were CHOSEN for such a role as this.

The one thing that popped into my head is Jesus didn't ask him to follow Him.

This is the first time ever that we get to know Judas! I never thought he followed Jesus just to betray Him. In the upper room all of the disciples were worried it might be them. In season 3 episode 1 when Jesus is getting to know Judas, He asked him if he was ready to do "hard things". Jesus knew Judas was a strong personality and He knew.....just knew... Thank you for taking on a roll that has so much heavy lifting in it. You are a good man. Looking forward to watching you work. It could have been any one of us that this happened to.

I really enjoy how well Luke understands his character. I can tell he's gonna continue to do a fantastic job portraying Judas. I liked him (Luke) from the start.

A challenging role for sure for this young actor. His portrayal as with all the cast, is compelling.

The last one from "The Chosen," saw two men talking about, I think the word "Money," I looking at the tall man, & the short man, I was looking at Luke Dimyan," I told myself, that is the "Man will play Judas Iscariot." Now they got, they found an actor, to play Judas Iscariot, I can't hardly wait, to watch that man act in the Series.

While many banter back and forth about Judas’ character, and whether or not Jesus actually chose him, I’m just so in Awe of this series in its entirety. From Dallas Jenkins creative imagination, to the absolutely “ brilliant “ writers and actors, I am “ glued” to the screen each time a new episode appears. Season 3 will be” off the charts” globally, and Mel Gibson MAY wish he hadn’t procrastinated in moving forward with the sequel to “ The Passion Of The Christ- Resurrection “.

I’m telling you now with the way the Chosen keeps expanding its reach. I wouldn’t be surprised if Luke Dimyan ends up getting some kind of award recognition by the fifth or sixth season. The Emmys love morally Grey and complex villian characters who are conflicted.

For me your are SOOO well cast!! It's changed my whole perspective..infact in another comment on Dallas's page I said how great it was that he didn't choose the typical " villain" !! Judas was with Jesus 💯..then as he went forward his love for money and power slowly took over.. Jesus always said it's almost impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven! Judas was too tempted by riches..and he fell.. but he threw the money back in the temple and he realized what he had done..he had betrayed his saviour..he couldn't face it and hung himself.. he felt remorse..we don't know what happened in the last minutes of his life..I wouldn't be surprised if he is in heaven.. he was CHOSEN by Jesus.. we shall see when we get there.. meanwhile 👏👏, Dallas and Lucas!!

I remember as a child in religion class saying, "I don't think Judas was a bad person I felt he was given a bad role in Jesus's timeline." Think about it a moment. Without Judas Jesus would not have been turned over to Rome and Pilate would never had to crucify him. So even though Judas did a bad thing, it seemed to me to be a needed action for the scriptiors.

I love that they make Judas so lovable and really hit you hard with it. It doesn't spoon feed the audience. They roll with the context and found our precious Luke to play this role!

It definitely is a bold choice by the writers. I'm curious to see how this will roll out. Will set up for truly a tragic story 😕

Honestly, the way Luke is playing Judas is absolutely incredible. He's really getting the sincerity of it across and is doing it in such an incredible way that it feels like he was made for this role. So many layers to this role and it really humanizes a lot of aspects to his story. Even though we all know how it's gonna end, he's still been one of my favorite characters to watch in the entire series. The Chosen crew couldn't have picked a better actor for this role.

Thank you for this video! I think it is important to consider that Judas also was a human being created by our God regardless of Judas' mistake. It surprises me that Jesus still welcome him into his disciples. I know there are Scriptures and prophecies that were going to be fulfilled about Judas, but still... shows that God is willing to give us opportunities to repent. Thank you The Chosen for this video!🙏🏾

I appreciate you taking the time to talk about this because I feel the same way about this character/person. I have prayed to the Lord and I feel very strongly that Jesus and Judas have forgiven each other and are in a good place now. Knowing Jesus's character I know that He would forgive Judas, and Judas was His disciple so of course he has some good in his heart. I feel he may needs more forgiveness from us than what we give him.

Jesus loved all his disciples. We have all betrayed him in one way or another. I love this portrayal of Judas, Such a likable person. Well done.

Season 3 can't come soon enough. The past 3 years my faith and understanding of the gospel have grown tremendously. This show tugs at the heart strings.

"I'm only surprised it took so long." Couldn't have said that better, Luke. Many of us are surprised too, and we've been waiting so long to see something of this quality! The Chosen seems to be the first Christian media to show so many dynamic characters from the Bible, regardless of their background. And real people are complex, so that's how biblical characters ought to be portrayed, even with some creative embellishments. I can't think of a show or movie about Christ that is doing a better job at character development than this one.

Judas is one of the saddest characters in all of scripture. (Although the Chosen makes a great scene about Nicodemus, we know that after the cross he more publicly portrays his faith) But Judas... He WANTED the Messiah. He was the few that might have been genuinely LOOKING for the Messiah still! Yet, like so many, the message of who the Messiah would be had been corrupted by the Jewish leaders....and he was a victim of that, and he couldn't grow past it. I believe, that even when he was betraying Jesus, he thought he could force his hand to conquer the Romans...but that wasn't God's plan! And even the "Son of Perdition" could have gotten forgiveness! Because God is that merciful, but so sad. 😭

When I heard him say his name I actively felt myself be repelled. The man who betrayed our Savior.

Wow, very interesting interview, very interesting take on Judas' development, his motivation from the beginning! Great Job, Luke!

Luke has portrayed Judas in such a likable way that my heart breaks knowing what he will do. I’ve seen enough of the show to already picture Johnathan Roumie looking him in the eyes, and brokenheartedly say, “Judas? You betray the Son of Man with a kiss.” 😢

I'll never understand why people hate Judas. Jesus was supposed to die for our sins, and one of his disciples had to be one to initiate it. If Judas had not, Jesus still would die. But it had to be THIS way. To teach the world, his disciples and yes, Judas, the lessons they needed to learn to follow him into heaven. I'm not really religious, but I've always seen Judas as more of a victim of fate. Maybe the book or the show will prove to me otherwise, but regardless, I still see Judas as part of the story that had to happen for our sins to be forgiven.

Sorry for hogging the comment section here, but I just can't stop raving about The Chosen. It is truly a heart and soul-reaching experience. To me its as if God, Jesus and The Holy Trinity are using the Chosen and cast members who portray the biblical figures as "instruments" to spread the Good Word to a world in so much turmoil as it is in present day. In my opinion. The Chosen is the closest to being sort of like the "second coming of Jesus " itself (so to speak) Not only are viewers worldwide receiving it with such open arms and experiencing life-changing results, but even the cast and all who are part of it are likewise expressing such wonderful personal changes of heart and attitude towards others. In their own way these two other movies have had emotional and spiritual impact on me: The Shack and The Perfect Stranger. Every day i come here to You Tube to watch and listen to the latest and greatest of new postings. God Bless all and have a Wonderful Holiday Season.

Its absolutely true that all we've ever considered Judas to be a mustache twirling villain. When in reality he was much more than that. And clearly that was the case since he was entrusted with the responsibility of spreading the gospel, casting out demons, healing the sick and so on. Jesus chose him and knew that he was capable. Despite the latter outcome. Because he had a heart for the things of God. And so im absolutely grateful that The Chosen is choosing to do more with him. Also glad Luke took on the role. He displays so much heart and passion in it.

"Someone had to play Judas" this means so much on so many levels . Someone had to be the one

Amen Thank you Jesus Thank you God love yall and thanks for everything you do for me Amen

The moment I saw Judas come to the scene, I thought I can be Judas who truly want to follow Jesus but ultimately betrayed him. It terrified me so much. Thank you, Luke.

If only Judas had not given in to despair after the betrayal... Can you imagine how powerful of a testimony he could have had if he only had repented and trusted in Jesus?? He could have proclaimed, "I betrayed God himself and stand before you forgiven and redeemed!" Never give in to despair. God loves you so much more than you could ever imagine!

I agree. I've always thought how heart breaking for Judas and the rest when the betrayal happened..I imagine him being close, so it would be like little James doing the same thing. Only I never have to "see" it so it's easier to only lay bad stuff on Judas .. now I'll have to watch it and it'll be tough, but I'm looking forward to what The Chosen has in store 💜

I can't wait to see Luke's portrayal of Judas. I also can't wait to see the disciples paired up, and how they will interact with each other. This season is going to be great!

The way Jesus is looking at him, he already knows 😔

One day when I was talking with my uncle we talked about the men in the Bible. I asked him a question about Judas. He said someone had to play that role just be glad it wasn't you. That has always stuck with me.

When I was an actor one thing I learned was never play the ending until the end. For example, in Chekhov’s play “Three Sisters” the actors need to believe they will be returning to the beautiful city until the very end. It gives the audience hope even though most of the audience knows they won’t make it. Same here. Luke Dimyan is playing his character so well that we can’t help but like Judas and want him to succeed even though we know the tragedy to come.

Thanks for taking the part, Luke. You're knocking it out of the park, man.

Season 3 is going to be hard to watch, I want to like Judas, but at the same time I know what's coming. . . and it brakes my heart to see him in a position where he's helping people, just to see him turn around and betray Jesus later. But that's not going to stop me from watching the show. I can't wait to see this!!!!!

Sometimes I think of Mary Magdeline seeing Jesus later when with apostles and saying "Rabbi, Judas realized he did wrong and killed himself but I forgive him as you taught us so many times" I don't understand it but I forgive him." It gives me chills to hear (who knows what they said) one person say that to Jesus to show they practice what they heard from his mouth. Mary heard it under the cross. So moving as a meditation.

I've seen some good films about Jesus that made an effort to portray Judas as a real person, not the exaggerated caricature of a devious and greedy man that 2,000 years of anti-Semitism have made of him. After all, Jesus chose him as a disciple, and without his betrayal he would certainly not have attracted any negative attention among the apostles. But in "The Chosen" Luke Dimyan was the first Judas actor where I said "What, this nice guy? He has a sister who he lets manage the family estate, he even has a potted plant that he hangs on. Just the type of guy you'd like to meet up with on your lunch break or for a beer after work." There were moments in the third season when I wondered whether Peter, with his grudge, might have been a more believable traitor. But the twist with which they introduced Judas and the way he carries himself is really an artistic achievement of the actors and direction.

This must be an incredibly hard role to play and to direct. So far The Chosen has done an amazing job!

The thing many of us lose track of when it comes to Judas is that we can easily start off following Christ only to betray Him as many former Christians have throughout history if we are not careful.