“Only the church could produce a Judas.” (Harold Ward)

“Only the church could produce a Judas.” (Harold Ward)

He came through the inter-sanctum of Jesus’ followers. He had responded to the captivating voice of Christ, “Follow me!” His hands divided the bread and fish that fed 5,000, he witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus, and was in the boat and heard the Master order the winds and waves, “Peace, Be still.” So far as we know he was a witness to each and every miracle in the gospels, and was a close listener to the Words of Life simply and eloquently taught from the lips of the Word Incarnate. He and a partner appointed by Jesus traveled about the country proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and they returned to Christ saying, “Lord, devils are subject unto us through thy name.”  He was the one that after the heinous crime, those who knew him best would say, “I just would have never thought it, He was such a good person,” or “he appeared to be the rock of the community.”

One might consider, at this point the dichotomous yet parallel stories of Judas and of Barabbas…their lives were lived a million miles apart, so far as lifestyles went.

                The gospel authors describe Barabbas variously as a bandit, a thief, and a participant in political insurrection. Mark clearly stated,” And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.” At best he was a member of a fanatical sect arising in Judea during the first century a.d. militantly opposing the Roman domination of Palestine. At worst he was a local rabble-rouser who was guilty of murder.

            And on the other hand Judas manifested the attributes of “the peacemaker,” and walked and talked with those who were taught that rule was not brought about by insurrection, but by love, temperance, and care for your fellowman.

            Yet, at the end of that day long ago, it was Barabbas who was set free, and it was Judas who died in indignity and shame!

                Anthony Quinn starred as Barabbas, in a movie by that name, back in 1961. The writer, Pär Lagerkvist, exercised much literary license in his novel, as Quinn lived out the turbulent life of the freed Barabbas all the way from the sulfur mines of Sicily to the gladiatorial arenas of Rome, to the catacombs of the dead; having finally placed his faith in Christ, he dies. His death was by crucifixion but giving the spiritual picture of instead of dying in sin, he finally eternally died to sin. Although it is a novel, it is difficult at the end of the movie not to say, “Barabbas, Rest in Peace.”

                Judas demonstrated what I call, “Intentional Meanness” in his betrayal of Christ. There was a part of his heart that he kept untouched by the Master’s tender care and love. It was covered by greed and some say political ambition (Lord knows, in our land today one is about the same as the other), and was carefully hidden until that dark night ages ago! That is why Dad always insisted that only the church could produce a Judas, not the world!

                How often do we hear of spiritual meanness on the part of some crusty “saint” betraying someone who falls under their judgment, and they do it for much less than 30 shekels! The spirit of Judas remains alive and well in the annals of religion today.

                “Judas, may God have mercy on your soul!”

               “Barabbas, Rest in Peace!”

Mercy, Grace, and Love from Grace Gardens