[Salvation]

February 27, 2007

Judas

When it comes to name recognition, Judas Iscariot ranks extremely high. He will forever be known as the disciple who betrayed Jesus. His name is mentioned 22 times in the New Testament. (Second only to Peter.)

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The name “Judas” was common at that time, but the meaning of “Iscariot” is uncertain. It is an obscure word and could have been his family name or his town of origin. It could also have designated his trade, physical appearance or even political allegiance.

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Few biographical details are known about Judas (which is true of most of the 12 apostles). Apart from Jesus, he has been the subject of perhaps more speculation that any of the personalities in the Passion narrative. (Why did he betray Jesus? Did he participate in the Eucharist? Did the words “deeply regretted what he had done” signify true repentance?)

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Later, non-scholarly speculation has made him out to be the older brother of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, or the beloved disciple’s in John’s Gospel, or a Jewish priest. Such theories have no basis in evidence.

[Salvation]

Tuesday – First Week of Lent

When it was evening, Jesus reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” (Mt 26:17-19)

Originally the Jewish people stood while they ate the Passover meal. But gradually they adopted the Greek custom of reclining at table on individual, low couches. Thus, “Jesus reclined at table with the Twelve.”

The Passover meal was never eaten alone. It was a family-style gathering, something like our Thanksgiving dinner. A lamb was slain at the Temple and then eaten in a home setting. The meal was to include at least 10 people. Matthew’s account has 13 people there – Jesus and the Twelve.

You can imagine the reaction of this small close-knit group when Jesus says that one of them is going to betray him. Matthew says they were “deeply distressed.” Actually, the Greek word conveys more a sense of sorrow, sadness. In this friendly setting they were quite sincere when one by one they asked the question, “Surely it is not I, Lord?”

I wonder if I should ask the Lord to tell me if I am fooling myself?

Turn to the Lord and ask, “Lord, how am I doing?”

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.