Holy Week: Journey With JesusSample

The Revolution That Wasn't

SPY WEDNESDAY - Today is the day when we remember Christ's betrayal at the hands of Judas Iscariot. But what was Judas' motivation? Was he just a pawn in the devil's scheme? Or was there something more?

Based on his last name, historians generally believe that Judas Iscariot was a zealot and revolutionary. He advocated for a violent insurrection to overthrow Roman rule and free the Jewish people from oppression.

His decision to betray Jesus into the hands of the religious leaders was not so much about turning against Jesus as it was an attempt to incite an insurrection. Judas might have appreciated the peaceful ways and teachings of Jesus for a time, but deep down he believed that violence would eventually be necessary for the Jewish Messiah.

When Judas kissed Jesus, he was trying to jumpstart a revolution by forcing Jesus's hand. At least one other disciple seemed to recognized this too, as Simon Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant.

When Jesus told Simon Peter to put away his sword and he surrendered peacefully to the soldiers present, Judas understood that his attempts to incite a violent response had failed. With the weighty realization of what Jesus would now suffer at the hands of the Romans, Judas became so grieved and consumed with guilt that he took his own life.

What Judas learned all too late was that Jesus did not come as a Conquering King, but as a Suffering Servant.

Judas reminds us that the way of power and violence is antithetical to the way of Jesus. To carry our cross and follow Jesus means we must first lay down our arms. Jesus could have called down an army of angels to vanquish his foes and establish his kingdom. Instead, he chose love. And in choosing the way of love, he elevated suffering over violence, forgiveness over dominance, and peace over power. He has called us to do the same.