Issue 331
Judas is troublesome and disturbing to us all. His character and behaviour raise more questions than answers. What was his true motivation? How did he think it would play out? What was the nature of his remorse? Why did Jesus appoint him, knowing he would fail and betray him? Why did Jesus include such a man amongst his inner circle of those he called friends? Was Judas doomed from the start and, if so, what part did he play in his own downfall?
From his place in the shadows Judas gives us numerous insights into the dynamics of life and relationships – especially working relationships. However you look at it, the story is messy; Every human story is. Any team that imagines it can function without mess is fooling itself. This mess was not about incompetence or ignorance; this was about dark behaviour and deceit. Judas should not surprise us. Knowing what we know about humanity the surprise is that we don’t see more like him. That his foolishness resides in all our souls, and knowing it is there, can help us live and work in the real, rather than the imaginary world. I have to confess I hate alliterated points but, coincidentally, there are two other alliterated points on the way.
Judas’ story was, and remains mysterious: there are unanswered questions. That Jesus chose him and his subsequent narrative are incomprehensible features of his life. There are aspects of Judas that we simply don’t understand. Some of us find this very difficult. We persist in the myth that we can make sense of everything. Judas reminds us that not everything in this world makes sense nor has an explanation. Judas lives in the shadows where, by definition, it is hard to see. A great deal of stress arises when you attempt to understand the incomprehensible.
Lastly, however confusing Judas’ story may be, it contains real malice. The traitor’s kiss has become the archetype for all treachery. The deal with the enemy and betrayal of friends is not just unwise, it is malicious. The truth is that some people do plot the downfall of others and wish them harm. Judas carried malice mixed with confusion in his mind and it would pollute his whole life.
It is because he was one of the inner circle that he startles us. But the shock is related to the fact that, because he was one of us, he could be any of us. Mess, mystery and malice stalk the corridors of all our dark places. Armed with the knowledge of their reality, you can save a lot of time by not trying to clean up every mess, clear up every mystery and remove all malice.
What you can do is stay as close as possible to the light so that the shadows teach their lessons, but do not steal your soul.
Matthew 26:47-50
47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.”
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Geoff Shattock
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