A REVIEW OF THE STORY OF JUDAS***

See this link for a review of scriptures about Judas.

See this link for a narrative review of Judas’ relationship with Jesus.

Here are a few key things we know about Judas:

• • • He was one of the original twelve disciples.
    • He was Jesus’ brother.
    • He traveled with Jesus and listened to his teachings.
    • He handled money.
    • He stole money.
    • Jesus said he was a devil.
    • He pretended to be intimate with Jesus.
    • He took his own life.

The way to understand the story of Judas is to see it as a parable — not as the story of a unique character. We should understand Judas as an example of all Christians who claim to be close to Jesus and follow him.

If Christians are honest with themselves, they will understand that they have the same kind relationship with Jesus that Judas had.

• • • They say they are disciples of Jesus.
    • They say that Jesus is their brother because they do God’s will.

Beyond these facts, however, Christians would not see themselves as similar to Judas. New Covenant disciples , however, understand that while they were Old/First Covenant religionists they were just like Judas. New Covenant disciples have the humility to admit that biblical representations of Pharisees and Scribes who made a deal with Judas to discredit and kill Jesus describe them while they were Old/First Covenant religionists.

This is not a flattering characterization of Christians, but this is exactly what they should learn from the story of Judas.