As have many, I have long grappled with the role of Judas in the story of Jesus. Someone had to betray Jesus to facilitate the prophecy of old….and if that’s true, was Judas truly to “blame” for his actions…..or some sort of pawn in the hands of God, destiny, fate, whatever?
I don’t know. But, that doesn’t keep me from thinking about it….and that activity led to what is written below.
Poor Ol’ Judas…
Poor Ol’ Judas:
He didn’t stand a chance…
The die was cast by prophecy
Long written.
He was the CFO
Of the Disciples long ago…
Though by the bug of doubt
He could be bitten.
A dark, mysterious figure
In the history of the world,
A Man of Myth,
Much like the Christ he served.
Was he misunderstood?
Or, was he much more bad than good…
And was his fate the one that he deserved?
Within the Inner Circle,
Greatly loved, indeed…
He may have been a favorite, ‘tis said.
Yet for an unknown reason,
He committed ghastly treason:
Soon, he and his Master would be dead.
Imagine first the triumph
Of Jerusalem that day,
When crowds cried out the Name
And palms were waved…
They began to dance and sing,
Hailing Jesus as their King,
Convinced that by His might they would be saved.
Yes, pride filled every heart
Until illusion fell apart,
When an unexpected Jesus hit the town.
See the frightened Pharisees,
Romans weakened in the knees,
As the money-changers’ booths came tumbling down.
Miracles came into play,
Even on that Sabbath Day…
Performed in public by the Great I Am.
Jesus “trampled” on the Law,
Tempers flared, incensed and raw…
Lions of power cowed by just a Lamb.
Poor Ol’ Judas:
Panic knew no bounds…
The budding revolution was in danger.
Their once and future King
Went on a manic fling….
Their gentle friend was suddenly a stranger.
So, to nip it in the bud,
Lest they all go down...ker-thud!
Judas sold Him out for silver that he prized.
Roman soldiers hauled Him off…
And He ended on the Cross:
With Judas universally despised.
He committed suicide
As his teacher slowly died…
But, the prophecy of old had been fulfilled.
Was Judas truly damned
By the silver in his hand?
Or saved by the Messiah on the hill?
Like so much we cannot see,
It remains a mystery…
To the tale, the plight of Judas poignance gives:
Through betrayal and deception,
Judas spurred the Resurrection…
To a glorious conclusion…
Jesus Lives!!!!