The Gospel reading set down for this week surprisingly does not incorporate the story of Jesus entry into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, but instead describes the complete sequence of events from the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, right through to the crucifixion and burial.
For most people, this is yesterday's news. It is like a political announcement that has been re-issued for the umpteenth time ... yeah yeah, blah blah, we've heard all that before, nothing has changed, there's nothing new, exciting, confronting, compelling or challenging. We've done, Pilate, Peter, Judas, The Lord's Supper, Gethsemane, the stations of the cross, what can we possibly get out of this with another re-visit? So let's just break out the Easter eggs and get on with the feast!
However after chewing this around for some time, I was drawn to asking the confronting question ... Of all the personalities in the events of Holy Week, who do I best match up with?
That's a tough question, but when answered honestly, it became a three-way arm wrestle between Peter, Pilate and Judas. Judas won out.
From there I could not help but let my mind wander onto some Judas questions: What hope was there for Judas? What chance did he have? He had been pre-destined to get the job done of betraying Jesus. See Psalm 41:9. Jesus himself confirms that Judas is the one to play the betrayal role. (Matt 26:20-25). So Judas eventually gets the deed done. But then as I was searching around further, I could not help but get drawn into the great debate: Did Judas go to heaven? Perhaps there are three answers to that question: YES, NO and only God knows.
Historically Christians generally have been quick to condemn Judas to the less desirable place. But in true Gospel Reflections fashion, to challenge our thinking, I want to sow some seeds for the YES case!
I, probably like most, have always assumed from Matthew 27:3-5 that Judas died by his own hand prior to Jesus being crucified and if we consider these verses in the light of John 17:12, the NO case takes the early points in the debate. But then I came across an amazing in-depth analysis of the question ...When did Judas die? (see www.ecclesia.org/truth/judas.html) Without the space here to fully put the YES case, I'll present a few "appetizers" to get us started:
- The main focus of the passage through Matthew 27 is on Jesus. If we view 3-5 as an aside, a comment in brackets, rather than as part of a strict chronology of events, it opens the door for a completely different view of when Judas died. For example consider what happens if Matthew (the gospel writer) had been thinking along these lines when writing verses 3-5 ... "(Oh ... by the way, before I forget to tell you, I want to let you know what eventually happened to Judas ... (Judas details inserted here) ... but now back to the main story.)"
- In the ecclesia link above, the author then proceeds to cross-reference and analyze every appearance of Jesus to the disciples from then through until Ascension. The incredible (but I think credible) conclusion is that Judas witnessed the Ascension and died some time soon after that event but before the day that Peter spoke prior to Pentecost. Note also a fascinating reference to the twelve by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15
Some other interesting observations ...
- Jesus called Judas "friend" (Matthew 26:50)
- The Judas betrayal is a fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. As well as the Psalm 41 reference mentioned above, see also Zechariah 11:12-13 and Jeremiah 19.
- Judas carried out the will of the Father (see Matthew 12:50) ... whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother.
- It is worth noting that Judas realized that he had done wrong and repented (see KJV Matthew 27:3.)
In any case does it matter what happened to him? Well I think it does, because at a deeper level it helps us to properly understand the outrageous and radical nature of God's grace. There is no sin too big to be forgiven ... while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Is there anything new in yesterday's news? The amazing thing proven yet again to me, is that no matter how well known the story, when we set aside time to let Jesus speak to us through his Word we need to be ready for the surprise of discovering yet another new perspective.
As we take time out to reflect this Easter may we experience new insights and gain new strength through reflecting on his word and participating in his holy meal. May He help us set aside the betrayal and denial characteristics of Peter, Pilate and Judas that reside also in each one of us ... and let's celebrate our freedom in our risen Lord.
Nev
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