ALT-7 Assessing the Traditions of Easter
There have been reports recently that the Vatican is looking at revising the historic record regarding Judas Iscariot. It is rumored that there is a review being conducted discussing that if Jesus came to offer salvation to all then Judas too was capable of finding forgiveness and salvation through Christ. That Judas was serving a vital role in Christ's mission and may not be guilty of the betrayal which has haunted his memory for the past 2000 years.
I have written on this topic before and am encouraged that this discussion is being held within the sphere of Vatican research.
Let's look at this from different perspectives:
First, from the perspective of the written record according to St. Luke. Luke 22:3-6 "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude."
Let us assume for the sake of argument that Satan did enter Judas and direct him to conspire with the high priests and captains. What does this tell us? That as a result of Satan's indwelling within Judas, he betrayed Jesus and as a result was crucified. Why would Satan want this to happen? Was not Jesus' death the fulfillment of prophecy and with it the end of death as the end of life? How does Satan benefit from Jesus death in accordance with prophecy? Does Satan somehow benefit from Judas being the betrayer? What value is there in separating Judas from Jesus, and/or the twelve?
I have prayed, reflected, and asked these questions many times. Each time asking the Holy Spirit to guide me in my studies. As revealed to me through my time in prayer and studies there is no benefit to Satan in using Judas in the way depicted within the Scriptures. Satan loses more than could be gained in Jesus being crucified. In dying for our sin's Jesus becomes the Messiah and stands in opposition to Satan. Satan (if we follow the traditions of the Church) loses not only the souls of those living through the salvation Jesus made possible, but also the souls of those who came before, i.e., all those faithful who lived prior to Jesus physical incarnation. Abraham, Isaac, Moses, etc..
Now, let's look at Judas actions in view of Jesus mission of salvation for mankind. Jesus understood that he was to die at the hands of his oppressors. Jesus understood that he alone could fulfil the prophecies, offering himself as the sacrifice necessary to bridge the separation of God and Man.
How then could Jesus fulfil his duties and at the same time safeguard his followers and disciples for the days to come? What could and must be done? Jesus was aware that his disciples and followers would put up a fight if the temple guards tried to arrest Jesus surrounded by the multitude. Is this principle not demonstrated by Peter raising his sword and removing the ear of one of those who came to arrest Jesus in the garden?
Imagine now that you are Judas who loved Jesus as a brother. Imagine the agony when Jesus asked of Judas what he could ask of no other. Judas was asked to do the unthinkable: to offer Jesus up to the high priests for the good of mankind. Judas understood how his actions would be viewed at the time, and in the fullness of time. Imagine Jesus held nothing back from Judas. They spoke at length as to Jesus' mission, and what would come with the fulfillment of the prophecies. Judas would have understood that he would be hated by man, for they could not know the sacrifice he made for them. To be known for thousands of years as the one who betrayed Jesus whom he loved. Judas displayed a strength of character or unselfish love that was matched only by the sacrifice made by Jesus himself. As Abraham was asked to sacrifice his own son: Judas was asked to betray Jesus in fulfillment of the will of God. Judas did not welcome this duty, but neither did he turn away from that which was asked of him. Could any of us do the same?
Now the time has come to set the record straight and clear Judas' name. Judas was a person of great faith. A person of great personal and spiritual strengths unequaled amongst the twelve. Jesus looked into the hearts of the twelve, and only Judas was equal to the task that had to be done to fulfill the Father's will. Peter, who is looked upon as first amongst equals was spiritually weak at the time of Jesus death. Jesus foretold of Peter's denials on the night he was arrested. Jesus could not ask Peter to do what was necessary. Peter regained his faith and served well after the resurrection, and no-one (myself included) wishes to take away from what has been accomplished by Peter and all who followed Jesus path.
Did Judas hang himself as recorded in scriptures, or did he as long held in stories live out his life as a hermit in the desert? For those who remained after Jesus arrest, Judas was indeed dead to them. How could the twelve (eleven), Mary the mother of Jesus, and the followers of Jesus allow Judas to remain amongst them when their understanding was that he had betrayed Jesus. How could anyone know the sacrifice Judas made on their behalf, and on behalf of all of us?
What then is Judas rightful place in the history of Christianity? Judas was, is, and will remain numbered as one of the twelve. Judas and his sacrifice will come to be recognized as the first true martyr of the new faith in Jesus. From this day forward let us no longer speak of Judas as the betrayer of Jesus. In the fulness of time all will understand Judas role for what is was. The fulfillment of a promise made to Christ that asked more of one man than should ever be asked. To obey without hesitation though it mean your own life. Let us rejoice that Judas had the faith, strength and conviction to do what was necessary so that Jesus could fulfill his mission and reconcile us to the Father. Glory be to God the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.Amen
