The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot

Matt 15:32

33. After the disciples had carried out these orders, Peter advised the Master that the time had come for them to continue on their way.

34. They travelled north but did not enter any towns as they feared that Jesus would attract large gatherings that would only impede his progress.

35. As they walked along the dusty roads, the disciples talked among themselves about the miracle of the loaves and fishes, which Judas was convinced proved the fulfilment of God’s promises.

36. Moreover, Peter and the other disciples now believed that they were the chosen ones, and the moment was upon them.

37. But Jesus continued to tell his disciples not to address him as Master and never to refer to him as the Messiah.

Chapter 11

Who do people say that I am?

1. While the disciples rested in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked Peter: Who do people say that I am?

Mark 8:27,

Matt 16:13;

Luke 9:18

2. Peter was not sure how he should respond. Many of the disciples considered Jesus to be the Messiah, although not all of them had reached that point of conviction.

3. The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand and the many other signs they had witnessed were proof enough for some that Jesus had already fulfilled the hopes of those who had chosen to follow him.

4. However, Peter reminded the other disciples that Jesus always insisted they should not think of him as the Messiah, so they remained uncertain how Peter should reply to Jesus’ question, especially given the political significance of being in Caesarea Philippi at that time.

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5. Judas offered his counsel, suggesting that when Peter answered Jesus’ question: ‘Who do people say that I am?’, he should say: Some say that you are John the Baptist, while others claim that you are Elijah, who must be sent before the coming of the Messiah. Many believe that you are a prophet that Moses promised to us long ago.

see

Mark 8:28;

Matt 16:14;

Luke 9:19

6. Judas reminded Peter that a close link between John the Baptist and the figure of Elijah had already been accepted by most Jews. John dressed, ate and lived like Elijah, and therefore Jesus could simply be fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi: Behold, I will send a prophet, Elijah, before the great and terrible day of the Lord.

see

Mal 4:5

7. The other disciples agreed that this was the response Peter should give to Jesus when he asked: Who do people say that I am?, as none of them believed that either John the Baptist or Elijah was the Messiah.

8. Judas also reminded them of the promise of the Torah: I will raise up a prophet from among you.

Deut 18:18

9. Although many disciples already believed that Jesus was the expected one, the Messiah, there were still those in Galilee, especially among the Elders, who refused even to accept that Jesus was a prophet.

10. The Scribes and the Pharisees were still encouraging their followers to reject everything Jesus stood for, and had lately joined with the Herodians to plot his downfall.

11. Despite the many miracles Jesus had performed, and his following among the people, even in his own ranks there were those who were still unwilling to believe that the humble son of a carpenter from Nazareth could possibly be the Messiah.