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Judas The Betrayer
I have grown up reading several documented histories about the rise of Christianity, the evolution of Son of Nazareth from the outcast to the glorified god who suffered for our sins. There has been books on him, some sneering, some speculative, Some pious ..The common theme in most of these book was a round condemnation of Judas, those that did not engage in downright denunciation elevated him to a status of Saint. Throughout this process, there has been one and only one thought scrolling in my mind. What would Judas say for himself?
This book by Archer in collaboration with Professor Francis J.Moloney attempts to present Judas views and reflection on events that transpired.
The book, The Gospel According to Judas is purported to be the narration by Benjamin Iscariot, Son of Judas who visits Judas in the twilight of his life, transcribing everything that Judas says and remembers of that tumultuous events.
The book has tread the safer path of never questioning the legitimacy about the existence of Jesus but has deftly raised several questions and views through the lenses of Judas. The book seems to suggest that there was and has been certain ambivalence in accepting Jesus as their Lord during the times of Jesus .The overwhelming feeling and supposition has been that Jesus would be the King of Israel providing sanctuary to displaced people rather than being the God sent to wash away the suffering of the sinner.
Hark On !! We are here to speak about Judas, aren't we? Judas, the first convert to Jesus camp. The man who was with Jesus right from the early days, from the time Jesus begun to roam the country, preaching and teaching the laws of scripture, reinterpreting the religious doctrine .
What was Judas views about Jesus?
It becomes quite clear through the narrative, that Judas viewed him as a talented "HUMAN" leader and not as a SON OF GOD !..Judas expected Jesus to storm the garrisons of Rome and capture the land of Israel becoming the undisputed King and spreading his teachings every where.
All the murmuring of the disciples stating that Jesus was Lord served to send wisps of unease coursing through Judas rather than sending waves of ecstasy through him. Judas could and did accept Jesus as the King but he never could take it a step further and accept Jesus as his lord.
What Prompted the Betrayal?
It was the overzealous protective drive that went against Judas and catapulted Jesus to his death.
In the latter half of the book, we sense Judas growing doubts and disenchantment of Jesus and his teachings but loyalty has not vaporized.Judas stays with Jesus still hoping that Jesus will save them all but the raging doubts and fear shall not be stilled .Judas is worried about the rising tide of powerful and influential enemies against Jesus . In an impulsive move that characterizes many of Judas's actions. Judas strikes a deal with a scribe ..To save Jesus oblivious of the fact that the scribes and pharsees are seeking an opportunity to bring down Jesus thus, Judas becomes their unwitting weapon primed to destroy Jesus and all that he stands for.
Years of relentless shunning and painting of Judas as a betrayer leads to him being permanently being etched as the villain in the Saga of Jesus and his disciples.
If Judas was indeed the blighted villain, the traitor who was instrumental in the death of Jesus.. Why then did he not commit suicide? ( acc to many popular myths)
Judas was a thorough jew and Suicide is frowned in the teaching of Jews.
If Judas was a cold blooded man who sold his master for 30 piece of Silver?
Why then did he stay with Jesus till his end unlike his other disciples who went into hiding as soon as Jesus was arrested?
A fascinating book for those interested in reading about Judas, the Man.
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