new church life: march/april 2017
What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you? (Matthew 26:15)
Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to
him, “You have said it.” (Matthew 26:25)
“Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and
said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. (Matthew 26:48)
“Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” As soon as
he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and
kissed Him. (Mark 14:44-45)
“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” . . . Then he threw down the pieces of
silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. (Matthew 27:4-5)
Between the Lines: The Real Judas?
There is very little that we can say about the “real” Judas Iscariot, the Judas
who had a life and profession before he became immortalized in the Jesus
story. There are a few clues embedded in his name that have been the source
of much speculation – where he is from, who his family was, what his political
and religious beliefs were – but when all is said and done, we know next-to-
nothing about the real Judas.
From a few interactions, we detect some strong indications of how Judas’
time before his involvement in ministry might have been spent. This brief
survey will revolve around one key feature of Judas which is touched on time
and time again across the Gospels: Judas’ relationship with money.
Jesus’ disciples made real sacrifices to follow Him: they left their jobs, their
families, their homes, and their possessions behind. Even so, they all still had
physical needs. Their ministry was not powered solely by miracles, but was
supported by the kindness of friends (like Mary and Martha of Bethany) and
good old-fashioned coin.
Jesus’ ministry functioned, not as 13 independent contractors each
managing his own affairs, but rather as one corporation. As such, all of their
money was managed by a single treasurer who counted, carried and dispensed
all of their money as each occasion demanded. That treasurer was none other
than Judas Iscariot.
“[…Judas] had the money box. [editorializing omitted]” (John 12:6; 13;29)
A few hints are available regarding Judas’ service as treasurer, but first
consider how one might get to become a treasurer of a corporation. A person
who serves as treasurer ought to be trustworthy and competent with money
– that is, able to tally, budget, even project how much will be needed in the
future. It is hard to believe that anyone would leave their money in the hands
of one whom they did not trust or believe to be competent. So it is a safe
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