The Story of Judas Iscariot

None of the four traditional gospels give much background on Judas Iscariot. In all four, he is introduced as one of the twelve disciples and the one who will eventually betray Jesus. As the gospels relate, Judas eventually strikes a bargain with the priests of Jerusalem: to lead them to his Master Jesus and hand him over, all in return for 30 pieces of silver.

In the famous scene, Judas arrives at the resting place of Jesus and the other disciples, leading a great multitude of priests, scribes, elders, and soldiers. As a means of identifying Jesus to the assembled authorities, Judas approaches and greets Jesus with a kiss.

After Jesus is seized and condemned, Judas attempts to return the money to the priests, and then, as one Gospel relates, he hangs himself.

It is on these foundations, then, that history has called Judas Iscariot a traitor. The story has been fleshed out in paintings, commentaries, and films, where Judas is often depicted as cowardly, weak, or greedy—incapable of grasping the true message of Jesus as the other disciples can.

However, even though it has historically been mocked and suppressed, there is another perspective on the role and character of Judas Iscariot that has recently started to re-surface.