20. When David was King, the Jews occupied many lands, produced abundant crops and their flocks were ever bountiful. This was only true while the city was ruled over by a powerful king, who was respected and feared by those who lived in the surrounding countries.
21. Judas had been taught to believe that during that time Israel was in true communion with God. He hoped and expected Jesus would restore that enviable position.
22. Had not Solomon sung in tribute to a great king:
Long may he live!
May gold of Sheba be given to him.
May prayer be made for him continually,
and blessings invoked for him all day long.
May there be an abundance of grain in the land;
may it wave on the tops of the mountains;
may its fruits be like Lebanon;
and may people flourish in the cities
like the grass in the field.
May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun.
May all nations be blessed in him;
And the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Psalm 72:15–17
for Solomon
23. Judas was in despair as the rich young man walked away.
24. The rich young man’s only response: You have chosen to follow a dangerous man, who will lead to the fall of many in Israel.
see
Luke 2:34
Chapter 14
You are people of little faith
1. As Jesus’ bedraggled band of followers drifted south towards Jericho, Judas warned Peter that the coffers were running low and that the Master should be informed.
2. Peter refused to pass on such bad news and told Judas to carry out the Master’s bidding without question.
3. Although Judas was in despair his spirits were raised once again when Jesus was approached by a generous and devout Scribe, skilled in the interpretation of the laws of Israel. He said to Jesus: Master, I will follow you wherever you go.
4. But Jesus said: Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.
see
Matt 8:19–20;