character-driven epics. But a closer
reading reveals that they are not
utilitarian presentations of the life of
Jesus. They are narratives, full of rich
details and intrigue and riddle and
mystery and personality. The Gospels
have shown that they care about the
characters that move the story forward
– even villains. But Judas Iscariot
received such a notably different
treatment.
Did the evangelists downplay
Judas’ love for Jesus and emphasize his
human failings? Did they deny him a
true place in posterity by ignoring his
service and simplifying him to evil
incarnate? Did the evangelists fear that
their readers would sympathize with
Judas?
That this man is still known to humanity and that he can still impact
people in such a way as to cause wonder and woe is in itself a testimony to his
importance. It is evidence of his immortality, and is a sign that the spirit of
Judas lives on in people today, just as his spirit was present in some shape or
form in each of Jesus’ disciples during that solemn last supper, when each of
them asked, “Lord, is it I?”
Seeing Judas as a real person – not just an icon of betrayal – allows us to
ask both, “Is it I?” and to know that no matter how far we feel we have turned
away, with remorse and repentance, the Lord’s redemption surely awaits.
Seeing Judas as a real
person – not just an icon
of betrayal, allows us to
ask both, “Is it I?” and
to know that no matter
how far we feel we
have turned away, with
remorse and repentance,
the Lord’s redemption
surely awaits.
The Rev. Christopher Augustus Barber teaches religion at the
Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools. He says it is
his joy to help students grasp biblical and theological concepts
in the light of the New Church worldview. He thoroughly
enjoys working with adolescents, as they are in the springtime
of their critical analysis. Chris loves researching obscure figures
from New Church history, studying the Fourth Gospel, and
watching documentaries. He lives in Huntingdon Valley with
his wife, Annika (Fitzpatrick), and their son, Jaiell. You can read more about him at www.
chrisbarber.info. Contact: [email protected]. (Photo Credit: Olivia Brock, Girls School
‘16, ANC photography student.)
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