Aspects of Judas Iscariot.
Aspects of Judas Iscariot.
The story of Judas is not straightforward. In fact it raises more questions than there are answers.
The basic facts are that he was one of the twelve original disciples of Jesus who betrayed him to the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane by the infamous kiss that identified Him.
When chosen as a disciple by Jesus, one would presume a confidence in him as of the right material and that he, like the other eleven went forth with power over unclean spirits, coupled with a ministry of preaching and healing.
Yet this was all at odds with the betrayal.
For a start there is the question of motive. Thirty pieces of silver sounds a bit too simplistic for a chosen disciple. Ambition? What was there to gain by betrayal? He was in no position to assume the role of Jesus. Jealousy? Perhaps. Demonic possession? Does not tie in with the gift given him of the exorcism of unclean spirits.
We then have Jesus predicting the betrayal at the Last Supper. Does this reflect on the judgement of Jesus in choosing him as a disciple?
One gets the impression that he was chosen, ( potential faults and all) as a pre-scripted catalyst to start the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. Gods plan had to be fulfilled. Had Jesus then allowed the betrayal with Judas as the fall guy? It does leave a bit of a bad taste in the mouth; that and the subsequent remorse and suicide by hanging.
It begs the question; were the actions of Judas Iscariot necessary and avoidable, so that condemnation of the man ever since has been the criteria of history?
