Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part VI Innocent Blood

Greetings Dear Reader, 

In case you have missed it, my next work of fiction, The Judas Scroll will be out November 5, 2021.  You can email me to preorder a signed first edition at the link above until October 20^, 2021 (aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com).  It is the next novel in The Jesus Cycle which includes, The Foster Father of God, Magi: The Gift Bearers, and The Praetor.   What I wish to do is address some of the historical background leading up to it. 

As we approach this part of our discussion about Judas, there are two things to consider.  The first is the question of Judas’ guilt and the second is the question of his repentance.  If we consider both of these, we must decide what state we think Judas is in when he dies.  

I hear all the time the question of the latter argument but will address the former first.  Judas obviously hands Jesus over to the Priests and I have already argued what his purpose was.  When he returns to the temple after learning Jesus is being sent to the Romans for condemnation, he states he is guilty of innocent blood.  It becomes obvious Jesus is not going to use his power to destroy his tormentors.  Judas thought he would.  

 Judas knows his guilt and returns the silver along with his confession to the Priests.  They leave him in a state of guilt and, therefore, guilty of murder.  The Priests deny him a way out.    He is guilty and the penalty is death.  Judas is told the crime is “on his head.”  Judas must die under the law. 

Let us stop the discussion of guilt for a moment and talk about his repentance.  Choosing to return to the Priests under the confession concerning innocent blood is an act of repentance.  Things were not unfolding as he hoped.  The Messiah was not destroying his enemies.  Judas returns before the crucifixion and confesses.  He acts under the Law as he is required.  The penalty is death so he takes his life when the crime is left on his head by the Priests.  

It may be argued Judas was one of the last people required to act under the Law to repent.  The summation is simple.  He is guilty of handing Jesus over.  There is no proof his act was one of unbelief.  When his plan is not God’s plan he seeks to confess and make restitution.  He is denied repentance but the Father knows he has done so.  He takes his life because the Priests put the responsibility on his head.  Judas acted as he was obligated to do.  Again, a non-judgmental look at Judas is much different than what we have been taught to believe.  As we draw closer to the release of the novel, we must consider all the evidence Dear Reader.  We draw closer to my final argument but I would ask you to share your thoughts and questions on this one first. 

Wishing you joy in the journey, 

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) 

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good. 

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“I have been spattered with innocent blood; I will be dragged through the slime and the mud.”