We just need to hear the name Judas and we think “betrayer.” He is known as the villain of all eternity. Judas, who turned Jesus over to the authorities. Judas, who gave Jesus the kiss of death. Judas, who wanted the money from the oil used to anoint Jesus to be sold and the money given to the poor. Judas, who sells out for 30 pieces of silver. Judas, who kills himself. Judas. Want to label someone a betrayer? Just call that person “Judas” and the message is clear.
Was Judas, a Zealot, a political radical ready to take up arms against the Roman Empire, disgusted with Jesus’ non violent tactics? Did Judas give up on Jesus as Messiah because he would not embrace the role of military leader and stage an armed rebellion? Is that why we know Judas as a betrayer? Because he felt betrayed by Jesus?
Whatever the reason, in paintings, artwork, altar carvings, and the rest, you can single out Judas. He is always set apart in some way. His back is turned. His clothes are dark. He’s in a shadow. Something distinguishes him. There are the disciples, and then there is Judas.
In some alternative interpretations, Judas is seen as the one closest to Jesus. The one who is most willing to give all, to sacrifice. The one who really understands the political implications of what is going on. Judas realizes the danger and the risks they are facing. We never hear Judas counter Jesus when Jesus mentions that he must suffer and die. Judas is not the one to say, “No, not you, Master.” While Peter misses the boat again and again, and the others quibble over who is the greatest, we never hear Judas caught up in those games. Some see him as the one Jesus could most trust because he had the best grasp of what they were about. Some interpreters think that Judas is the one who most understands Jesus’ mission and ministry and that is why he agreed to betray Jesus. He knew Jesus had to be a martyr to further the cause so he helped Jesus to accomplish that. He was the only one strong enough and faithful enough to be fully obedient. And so he betrayed Jesus to fulfill the plan that had to be carried out.
Then there is newer scholarship based on recent findings of ancient texts that offers other possibilities. Jesus came from God, from heaven, from another realm. And he needed to return there. And the only way for that to happen was for Jesus to die. In this scenario, Judas betrays Jesus out of love and compassion. He wants to help Jesus get back to the divine bliss with God that he left to live an earthly life.
We will probably never be able to sort out the full story of Judas. But what we are learning is that good and evil can both be disguised masterfully. Something that appears good may in reality be just the opposite. What appears bad may actually be good. It can get quite complex sorting out motivations and consequences in ways that lead to clear ends. Yes, we must be willing to sacrifice to be faithful to God, but what will that sacrifice entail? It may not be what we expect. Before we point the finger at others, judging their behavior, this is a week to examine our own lives, our choices, our behavior, and look at the sacrifices we are making. Are they really for God? Or for ourselves? Or for less worthy ends? How are we putting ourselves on the line for love?
Prayer: In this intense week we focus on the earthly life of Jesus. We consider the sacrifices that he made and the good that he did. May we learn from the various images of Judas to truly examine our own choices and to proceed fearlessly. Despite the complexities of our times, we pray for wisdom and courage to do whatever we are called to do to further the commonwealth of God. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 