The Book of Judas
"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests. And said unto them, 'What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver." ~ Bible
I've noticed a couple of television programs which have explained and explored the "Book of Judas." Their conclusions--and the existence of the Book--don't come as a surprise to me. I reached a similar conclusion several years ago. The central question is this:
Was it God's will that Jesus die on the cross?
If the answer is no, then everyone is correct in vilifying Judas. If the answer is yes, then Judas served a higher good by taking those 30 pieces of silver. Someone would have to be the instrument of Jesus' death. It seems pretty simple to me. So how do you answer that question?
America held hostage day 1568
Bushism of the day:
"Now, we talked to Joan Hanover. She and her husband, George, were visiting with us. They are near retirement—retiring —in the process of retiring, meaning they're very smart, active, capable people who are retirement age and are retiring."—Alexandria, Va., Feb. 12, 2003
posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 05.19.06 (10:43 am)
This question is further complicated by the Christian belief that Jesus is God. Therefore Jesus chose the cross- it was not forced upon Him. Jesus Himself said, in prophesying of what Judas would do, that "...it would have been better fif he had not bee born." The will of God in no way negates personal choice. Judas chose to betray Jesus. I don't think he was trying to force Jesus' hand, which is a popular belief today. I believe he gave up on Jesus, realizing He would never set up an earthly kingdom and be a political ruler. So Judas made choices, and those choices ended up being withtin the determined plan of God. It is mysterious how free will and divine determination can work hand-in-glove.
posted by: ggirl (reply)
post date: 05.22.06 (4:41 am)
Thanks for your comments, Pastor Dave. You said " the will of god in no way negates personal choice. Judas chose to betray Jesus." Well somebody had to do it, right? I don't mean to argue with you; I'm just trying to figure that out. I admit that I have major theological and scientific issues with the concept of free will. I may be the only person I've ever met who doesn't accept the idea of free will. I'm still working that out, Pastor Dave. Thanks for the additional fodder to add to it.
