The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot
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23. Why was Jesus prophesying that he would die soon after he entered Jerusalem and then three days later rise from the dead, finally to be restored
to his followers, before taking his place on the right hand of God?
24. Judas continued to pray that God would give Jesus the means to overthrow his enemies when they entered Jerusalem, and establish him as the Davidic King in Israel.
Chapter 13
Take up the cross and follow me
1. When the sun rose the following morning, Jesus and his growing band continued on their journey south to Jerusalem.
2. As they entered the city of Aenon, they were met by a large crowd who wanted to join Jesus on his triumphal march.
3. Among those who gathered around him was a rich young man who owned several leagues of land, reared vast flocks and commanded a large household of servants.
4. Judas made himself known to him.
5. The rich young man made it clear that if Jesus were to assure him of some important position once he had established himself as the King of Israel, he would willingly sacrifice his entire wealth to follow him.
6. Judas, aware of how the rich young man could assist their purpose, took him directly to the Master, who welcomed him with open arms.
7. The young man, encouraged by Jesus’ gesture, said: Good Rabbi, are you going to establish God’s kingdom in Israel?
8. Jesus smiled. Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
Mark 10:18;
Luke 18:19
9. Judas was delighted by the Master’s response because, as a devout Jew, he did not, as some Greeks did, wish to make Jesus a God. This was not the way of a true son of Israel. There was only one God, YHWH, and the Messiah was the expected messenger of God, but not God himself.
10. The young man, heartened by this reply, enquired boldly if he might join Jesus as one of his disciples.
11. Jesus said: Yes, but first you must obey the commandments of God.
12. And what are they?
13. Do not kill. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not defraud. Honour your father and your mother.
14. The rich young man was perplexed, for he had been taught to believe that Moses had handed down ten commandments. Teacher, I have observed all the commandments from the time I was a small child.
15. Jesus smiled and aware that he was a devout man, agreed that he could become a disciple.
16. The young man was overwhelmed, and assured Judas that he was willing to give up everything to follow the Master.
17. Jesus, on hearing these words, said: Go and sell all that you have, and give it to the poor. Once you have done that, you will have treasure enough in heaven, and come take up the cross and follow me.
see
Mark 10:21;
Matt 19:21;
Luke 18:22
18. Judas became distressed, aware that if Jesus hoped to establish himself as the expected Son of David, the Messiah and King of Israel, he could not hope to do so as a wandering prophet who rejected such a generous offer. Worse, he had commanded the rich young man to sell everything he possessed and distribute his wealth among the poor, which was not in keeping with the best traditions of Israel.
19. Throughout Israel’s history, God’s glory had always been measured by the wealth and success of the nation.