Thought: Judas was one of Jesus’s closest friends and Jesus…

Asked? More like knew

John 13:21

When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me."

Yeah, I’m saying he planned it with him before hand.

I commend you for thinking about the various aspects of the life of Jesus.

You've made 2 speculative assertions:

1. "Judas was one of Jesus’s closest friends"
2. "Jesus asked Judas to “betray” him."

I'll briefly answer each speculation below.

1. RE: Judas as close friend. I don’t see any evidence of that. When Jesus went off to the mountain to be alone he brought only Peter, James and John. The same 3 guys he asked to stay with him when he went to pray the night of his betrayal. That's close.

Lastly I would say there are many many interesting things regarding the life and history of Jesus.

When you contemplate those things, you'll usually resolve the uncomfortable implications of Jesus as he's either a liar, a lunatic or Lord. Choose wisely.

2. RE: a false betrayal ie elaborate scam. No evidence of that either. I do see Jesus saying that Judas’s betrayal was really bad: “But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”

Appreciate the thoughts!

Anytime!