While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Matthew 26: 47-50
Poor Judas.
That might strike some as strange but I just can’t figure this guy out. In an effort to better understand him I have decided to write him an open letter. I am waiting patiently by my computer for a response.
Dear Judas,
You sold out Jesus for thirty pieces of silver? Really?? This is the same dude that you saw walk on water, feed thousands of people with a fish sandwich and perform all kinds of superhero miracles. And you didn’t think that he would figure it out?
Come on buddy.
And for just thirty pieces of silver?? That’s all you could get out of the Pharisees? Man… you and I both know that they are more paid than that. You compounded doing the dumbest thing that has ever happened on earth by charging the discount rate for your services.
There must be more to this. Can you help me understand it? I was watching a History Channel special on your boy Jesus and one of the guys suggested that Jesus may have asked you to do it. If that’s the case then you have redefined what it means to “take one for the team”.
But naw man, I don’t buy it.
Also, you went on and did it anyway after Jesus fingered you as the sellout? And on top of that the signal that you arranged was that you would kiss him on the cheek.
Shameful.
I’m just curious man. Why? It couldn’t have been the money. Maybe you’re a hater. That’s the only thing that makes sense. So Jesus sonned you one too many times huh? Or maybe he stole the heart of your lady, and even worse, didn’t holler at her because he wasn’t about doing all of that? That would make anyone mad… it seems kinda wasteful.
Man… you should have just walked away. But no, now you go down in history as the worst hater to have ever lived…
And the dumbest.
Well perhaps my questions are rhetorical. An answer really isn’t necessary I guess. But man… why? I just don’t get it.
Patiently awaiting your response.
C
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 13: Matthew 26: 26-50
Interesting. As I understand the whole Judas thing, I think he was trying to force Jesus' hand. The prophecies called for a ruler, a king, and the Jews were (and still are) looking for a literal earthly ruler. So, knowing Jesus' power, he tried to force him to take that 'rightful' place as the earthly ruler - which clearly wasn't the mission. Indeed, Jews now are still waiting for an earthly ruler (I think I am correct on this). This is why they don't accept Jesus as the Messiah.
ReplyDeleteInteresting comment on Judas trying to force Jesus' hand. But in that case did he have to accept the 30 pieces of silver?
ReplyDeleteAlso on what Jewish folk are waiting for... I think that depends on the particular school of thought which varies on the topic. Even in Jesus' time the Sadducees weren't feelin the whole messiah concept in general.
Perhaps one of our Jewish friends can chime in here....
I would love some additional feedback from your Jewish friends on this point.
ReplyDeleteAs for Judas and the silver...no good answer. Would you have felt better if it were 1000 pieces of silver? I'm only partly joking with the question.
hahaha yes i would have!!!! shoot! I mean Jesus is priceless but I like to think that one of his disciples would have found him to be worthy of more than 30 pieces.
ReplyDeleteI swear, it's like he negotiated with a pawn shop with that price.
The resurrection does NOT count as him getting Jesus back.