Judus} General Essay Example

sold to help the poor. However, John clarifies that Judas asks this not because he cares for the poor but because he is a thief and handles their money. John also notes that Judas continues to hold onto the purse during the Last Supper. The Synoptic Gospels do not mention Judas' role or his objection to wasting the ointment. In Matthew and Mark, right after Mary's anointing is mentioned, they tell us about Judas' betrayal. It is on his own accord that Judas approaches the chief priests offering to deliver Jesus in exchange for money. Luke adds that Satan enters into Judas and influences him to betray Jesus. They then discuss how they will carry out this betrayal and agree on payment.Judas seeks an opportunity to betray Jesus without attracting attention from the crowds. Similarly, John emphasizes Satan's role in influencing Judas to betray Jesus. In his accounts, John recounts various instances where Christ's foresight of the betrayal is mentioned. He confirms that Jesus knew from the beginning those who did not believe and one who would betray him. Likewise, in another chapter, John records Jesus' troubled spirit during the Last Supper where he explicitly predicts that one of his disciples would betray him. When John asks about the identity of the betrayer at Peter's request, Jesus identifies him by giving him dipped bread, after which Satan enters into him. Jesus instructs Judas to quickly carry out his plan without the knowledge of those at the table. Some speculate that Jesus instructed Judas to buy necessities for the festival or give to the poor because he was in charge of the money. Only John provides

these specific details about Jesus' words and what the disciples assumed. On the other hand, all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) mention both the prediction and questioning by disciples. Additionally, Matthew mentions that Judas himself asked if he was being referred to as the betrayer and received confirmation from Jesus. All four Evangelists agree on when and how Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss but only John mentions that when Jesus identified Himself, those who came to arrest Him fell backward.
Mark does not mention Jesus' response when Judas greeted Him as "Rabbi" before kissing Him. Matthew addresses Judas as "Friend" and questions his actions after describing these events. Luke records Jesus asking Judas if he was betraying Him with a kiss. Matthew also mentions how much money Judas was paid by the chief priests for his betrayal and links it to an Old Testament prophecy. Furthermore, Matthew provides more information about Judas' regret and subsequent suicide compared to other Gospel accounts. Peter confirms that scripture needed to be fulfilled regarding Judas, who played a role in Jesus' arrest and ministry. Peter also mentions how Judas obtained a piece of land through his wrongful actions and met a violent end by hanging himself, causing his body to burst open with his internal organs spilling out. This incident became well-known in Jerusalem, resulting in the name "Haceldama," meaning "the field of blood." The described event aligns with the Psalms' mention of wrongdoers' dwelling places becoming desolate and uninhabited, implying the need for finding a replacement for Judas.However, modern critics have pointed out discrepancies between this account in Acts and Matthew's version.According to Peter's words, it

seems that Judas acquired the field himself using the proceeds from his wrongdoing, and it was named after his death.Matthew presents a contrasting narrative to the one mentioned earlier regarding Judas' actions. In Matthew's account, Judas repents for betraying Jesus and returns the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders while admitting his sin. However, the religious authorities dismissively respond to Judas' remorse. As a result, he throws the silver into the temple before hanging himself with a rope.

In this version, instead of putting the money in corbona (due to its association with blood money), the priests use it to purchase a potter's field for burying strangers. This field later becomes known as "the field of blood," fulfilling a prophecy attributed to Jeremias (but found in Zach., xi, 12). Despite discrepancies between accounts, it is possible to reconcile them when considering both Judas' betrayal and the acquisition of the field.

Although Judas did not personally buy it, he can be seen as indirectly acquiring or possessing the field. St.Peter mentions Haceldama which could refer both to his reward for iniquity and his violent death as a traitor. Similarly, inconsistencies arise when examining different accounts of Judas' betrayal itself; however, these narratives can be harmonized without distorting their meaning. While some uncertainties remain about specific details, most authorities believe that Judas was present at the institution of Holy Eucharist and participated in communion with other Apostles.

The timing of his treachery is debated among scholars; some propose that it was a sudden decision after being anointed at Bethania, while others suggest there may have been a longer negotiation period with chief priests beforehand.The moral issue

of Judas' fall and betrayal is overshadowed by the textual challenges and details. The severity of sin remains a perplexing mystery, despite a small motive for wrongdoing and the offender's knowledge and grace. It is incomprehensible how Judas, as a chosen disciple and Apostle with an intimate friendship with the loving Divine Master, could commit such treachery. The price for which he betrayed Him seems trivial in comparison to his experiences. Throughout history, many theories have attempted to explain Judas' crime, from ancient heretics to modern critics. Christians despised him as completely evil due to their intense hatred towards traitors. However, it is worth considering that Judas may have never truly believed or was influenced by Satan from childhood, which could help us understand his actions better. Early Gnostic sects like the Cainites held contrasting beliefs about Judas, suggesting that he did not anticipate Christ's death but instead hoped for a temporal kingdom for the Messiah according to their peculiar belief system. In the modern interpretation of this theory put forth by certain heretics today, they argue that Judas aimed to expedite Christ's triumph by provoking a crisis resulting in His freedom and ascent to power.This could be achieved by inciting an arrest and leading to a popular uprising. Supporters of this viewpoint highlight Judas' immediate remorse upon realizing Christ's condemnation by the Romans as evidence. However, it is important to note that remorse does not necessarily imply unforeseen consequences, as even premeditated murderers can feel regret after their intended act. Nevertheless, Catholics cannot support these theories as they contradict Scripture and traditional interpretation.

Regardless of our understanding of the matter, we cannot deny Judas' guilt,

but it would be incorrect to reject his past role as a genuine disciple. The idea that Judas had no redeeming qualities or goodness contradicts the fact that he was chosen by Christ to be one of the Twelve. Being chosen implies that he possessed some good qualities and graces.

However, it is important to consider that by exaggerating Judas' original malice or denying any good in him, we overlook the lesson of his fall. We fail to understand the examples of saints if we see them as completely different from us and free from human weaknesses. Similarly, viewing Judas as a demon without any elements of goodness and grace is a mistake.

The text warns that even as an apostle with a close friendship with Jesus, someone who is unfaithful may not benefit from His grace. While we must acknowledge the guilt of Judas' betrayal, it may be easier to understand if we view it as a gradual failing in smaller matters.Judas, who betrayed Jesus by kissing Him, may have deluded himself into thinking that Christ could evade His enemies as He had done previously on the mountain. Although there are doubts about Judas' death, the Sacred Text does not entirely dismiss the chance of sincere repentance. Origen holds a distinct belief that Judas hanged himself in an attempt to seek forgiveness from Christ in the afterlife (see Matt., tract.xxxv).

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