The name is synonymous worldwide with the word betrayal. Yet, to this day, only a select few willingly accept the truth behind the events which led up to the death of the Nazarene called Jesus, The Christ. The biblical accounts are as accurate as many choose to believe. The simple truth is more so a liability than an asset to the collective body of believers. Seemingly, it is a far greater thing that one is made a scapegoat for all, than for all to perish - that by the death of an innocent, the guilty might live. Thus the truth is concealed within darkness, and a convenient lie brought into the light.
Concerning the “Betrayal”
According to the accepted biblical text specifically John 13:11, it is strongly suggested that the Nazarene intimately knew his betrayer - “For He [Jesus] knew who would betray Him”. Yet in all his wisdom and power, Jesus did nothing to stop it. However, strangely enough, it is further suggested that Jesus, the Christ, may have plan the alleged betraying himself – encouraging Iscariot in John 13:26 by personally feeding the alleged betrayer and seconds later, according to John 13:27, commanding him to commit that controversial duty – saying to Iscariot “What you do, do quickly”.
When we put all the pieces together to get a complete picture of these events unfolding we then see the Nazarene in a different light; one of questionable intent. John 18:4 state “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him”. However, when we compare all that we have learn of the Nazarene's complete knowledge of what is happening, relative to his alleged betrayal, [John 13:11, 26, 27 and John 18:4] with the biblical accounts of Matthew 26:50 stating “But Jesus said to him [Judas], “Friend why have you come?", Jesus the "Christ", the "son of God" more and more appears as a con-artist - a manipulative mastermind - than a man of Holy Divine Truth.
Upon this Rock
It is said “all sin is sin” and that none is greater. But if all sin is sin, which then is more deserving of eternal condemnation; the servant that faithfully executes a direct command from his master, or the servant that out-rightly denies his obligation to serve his master? However and according to biblical text it is that faithful (obedient and humble) servant whom the world condemned, and his unfaithful (arrogant, lying and violent) counterpart whom the world promotes above all other servants - to lead the collective body of believers; a “Rock” upon which unfaithfulness, as a beacon of hope eternally rest.
The collective body of believers might have had a better chance if Iscariot rather than Simon-Peter had been appointed to build that universal edifice referenced in Matthew 16:18, saying “…upon this rock I will build my church…” Perhaps that edifice might have truly represented that divine purpose of God instead of reflecting that which has become a mockery of faith and all that is holy. The faithless with arrogance dishonoured his position – contradicting the word of Christ (noted in John 13:8, 37 and 38 Matthew 14:30 – 31 and John 18:10) when he ought to have reflected humility and obedience. It is without doubt that the church was built upon un-level ground; upon an unsound foundation; upon a slippy-rock resting upon sinking sand - so to this day, the church still crumbles beneath the weight of spiritual wickedness in high places thereof.
The Obedient Servant
Having been tried and never denied the Christ, son of the living God – Iscariot, although reluctantly, faithfully executed the will therefore the purpose of Jesus, ushering in a new age, not under the law according to Moses but under grace given by the Lord God Almighty. Unsurprisingly, it is forever known, as it is written, that the Nazarene Jesus, son of the Living God, having loved and laid down his life for the whole world, called alone but one human (according to John 26:50) “Friend”. Such a promotion from servant and merely discipleship to friendship, it must be universally acknowledged that Judas Iscariot, son of Simon Iscariot, above all other men - made a truly remarkable impression upon the mind of the son of God.
Is it therefore the conclusive message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to promote arrogance, violence and untruth above humility, faithfulness obedience? Was it, then, a deliberate attempt to contradict the Nazarene's’ mission by wilfully assassinating the good character of his friend Iscariot – concealing (under a bushel) one light that another might shine atop a rock? Certainly the message of the ‘chosen’ gospels has placed a huge cloud surrounding the simple truth and the popularly accepted versions of the truth. To gain wisdom, one need only follow closely the conversations between the Nazarene and his friend Iscariot. It is there that we will find the true message of Jesus mission – that he and none other might die (once) that all else might have eternal life, in abundance.
Iscariot…who was he?
Besides being unjustly characterised as a thief: a betrayer and a devil by the four authors within their accepted versions of the gospel of the Nazarene, Jesus Christ. Very little is widely known about the man Judas Iscariot. The author of John 6:71 (along with inserting his personal biases) mentioned a man called Simon as the father of Judas, and in chapter 12 verse 6 of the same - suggested that he [Judas] kept all the money that the group collectively received. However, and curiously: if Iscariot indeed was a thief as suggested by John 12:6; why then would the Nazarene appoint Iscariot as the groups official treasurer, and why did the group accepted this appointment unanimously and without question?
Equally curious was the fact that within their midst and rank was another student named Matthew, who was personally chosen by the Nazarene while yet seated at his job in his professional capacity as a custom officer of the Roman empire. Certainly Matthew ought to have been more qualified to serve as the groups’ official treasurer, yet Matthew was not chosen for that important position. Apparently, Jesus (as did all of his disciples) took and received Judas Iscariot as the more trusted and well qualified candidate for the position of treasurer – which ought to have dispelled all doubts and roamers contrary to his good character and standing among the rank and file of the original disciples of Jesus Christ.
It is mentioned only once (according to Luke 12:4) that Jesus collectively addressed his disciples as “friends”. However, there is but one biblical documented record wherein the Nazarene addressed Judas Iscariot alone and none other of his disciples with the title of friend, despite the precarious circumstances unfolding, (see – Matthew 26:50). It may be suggested that Judas Iscariot (above all the other disciples) earned the respect of Jesus on the night of that alleged betrayal by approving an established agenda with the then Jewish high priest Caiaphas – whom along with the chief priest and the scribes, and the elders of the people conspired to kill the Nazarene, (see – Matthew 26:3 and 15, and Mark 14:42 - 46).
This single controversial duty given by Jesus to one of his disciples whom he trusted elevated Iscariot from mere discipleship to close friendship. In the mind of Iscariot - he knew if he did whatsoever the Nazarene command (despite its controversy, or alienation from the group, or even universal condemnation as a result), he would earn the respect of his teacher and a place in the Kingdom of God, (see – Matthew 10:22, 25 and 33). The Nazarene himself said to his disciples in John 15:14 “Ye are my friend, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Therefore when Jesus commanded Judas Iscariot (according to John 13:27) saying “What you do, do quickly”; to a devoted and faithful student - not complying with a direct command would have been regarded as highly disrespectful, and would have brought great dishonour upon the name of his teacher.
The Entered Apprentice
Iscariot was one of twelve original apprentices initiated into the mysteries of God by the Jewish mystic and philosopher Jesus. Although a devote student and close friend of his teacher, he is better known worldwide as Judas the traitor - a man who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Painted in dark contrast to his counterparts, by the authors of the first four accepted books of the New Testament, Iscariot seemingly takes back seat: a scapegoat role compared to the other eleven original students of the Nazarene. However, when one examines closely the role played by Iscariot in relation to the overall mission of his teacher, there appears a great contradiction relative to historical purpose and intent.
Contrary to the accepted authors’ versions of events respecting the mission of the Jewish mystic and philosopher Jesus, specifically regarding the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; seeming there was, and still is, a clandestine plot (by unscrupulous representative of the church) to portray Iscariot as a “devil”: one whose hidden agenda goes directly against the teachings and ultimate mission of the Nazarene. However, upon close examination of these four authors’ works, it became obviously clear that the student Iscariot and his teacher Jesus were on “one accord” and, in fact, working from the same exact blue print.
The Nazarene's’ mission was to be killed according to specific guidelines afore written within the Jewish historical doctrines, and it fell upon the obligation of a devoted and faithful student to carry out certain (unpopular) task as was required by his teacher in accordance with established Jewish prophecy: in short: so said, so done.
From the Gospel of Judas
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When Jesus appeared on earth, he performed miracles and great wonders for the salvation of humanity. And since some [walked] in the way of righteousness while others walked in their transgressions, the twelve disciples were called. He began to speak with them about the mysteries beyond the world and what would take place at the end. Often he did not appear to his disciples as himself, but he was found among them as a child.
One day he was with his disciples in Judea, and he found them gathered together and seated in pious observance. When he [approached] his disciples, [34] gathered together and seated and offering a prayer of thanksgiving over the bread, [he] laughed. The disciples said to [him], “Master, why are you laughing at [our] prayer of thanksgiving? We have done what is right.”
He answered and said to them, “I am not laughing at you.
When his disciples heard this, they started getting angry and infuriated and began blaspheming against him in their hearts. When Jesus observed their lack of [understanding, he said] to them, “Why has this agitation led you to anger? Your god who is within you and […] [35] have provoked you to anger [within] your souls. [Let] any one of you who is [strong enough] among human beings bring out the perfect human and stand before my face.”
They all said, “We have the strength.” But their spirits did not dare to stand before [him], except for Judas Iscariot. He was able to stand before him, but he could not look him in the eyes, and he turned his face away.
Judas [said] to him, “I know who you are and where you have come from. You are from the immortal realm of Barbelo. And I am not worthy to utter the name of the one who has sent you.”
Knowing that Judas was reflecting upon something that was exalted, Jesus said to him, “Step away from the others and I shall tell you the mysteries of the kingdom. It is possible for you to reach it, but you will grieve a great deal. [36] For someone else will replace you, in order that the twelve [disciples] may again come to completion with their god.”
Judas said to him, “When will you tell me these things, and [when] will the great day of light dawn for the generation?” But when he said this, Jesus left him.
"
The Devote and Faithful Student
According to the Gospel of Judas: Iscariot was a very shy, yet analytical and curious individual - with much intellectual and unusual questions to ask of his teacher, and always seeking deep meaning and purpose for all things in existence. He was constantly asked by Jesus to “speak up” and to make known what was on his mind. Often times the Nazarene would call him aside (from the other students) to have secret conversations; either to further explain a lesson, or to interpret one of Iscariot's’ dreams, or to describe in details the mysteries of God and the universe. It was always Iscariot's’ passion to learn as much as possible from his teacher, to become a good student, that he in course may discover his purpose in life. Seemingly, Judas Iscariot desired to be fair with everyone, please his teacher, and to do the will of the one and almighty God.
Endowed with supernatural strength, the mystic Jesus exercised (according to Luke 4:36) “…authority and power…” to “command the unclean spirits, and they came out”. Jesus himself (according to Luke 7:22) listed a number of supernatural acts that he had publicly preformed. Unsurprisingly the mystics’ supernatural abilities (according to Matthew 14:26) “troubled” his students that occasionally “they cried out in fear”. Clearly the students respectfully feared their teacher.
It is recorded in Matthew 7:29 that “He [Jesus] taught with authority” therefore the students, even if compelled, would not speak out against any of the philosophies expressed by their teacher, nor would they ever (individually or collectively) say or do anything contrary to the same. Seemingly, whatsoever the teacher commanded his students to say and do was done accordingly with due diligence. The students would often time risk life and limb to please their teacher, having been duly warned of the dire consequences of failing to fulfil his expectations, (see - Matthew 10:28, 33 - 38). After receiving all which was taught, over a period of time, it became second nature for the students to blindly obey, and to perform every word their teacher said; even if commanded to betray, and to kill him, (see –John 13:27).
The Mystics’ Mission
According to the Nazarene’s own words, as recorded in the book of Matthew 5:17: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” One might ask: “What then was Jesus to fulfil?” John 11:49 and 50 may shed more light upon the answer…. To Be Continued…
In the next instalment of this lecture, entitled “Upon This Rock”, Learn more about:
1 The true mission of the Messiah.
2 The truth about Simon Peter.
3 The true leader of the Universal Church.
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