Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part VII – Satan’s Role

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. 

One of the primary arguments used for the condemnation of Judas is the statement in Luke saying “Satan entered into Judas.”   One can see on the surface how this would be condemning.  The surface, however, is not what we wish to view.  This is a deep dive into who Judas is so we can understand him and his motivations. 

The key word here is “entered”.  Most reasoning goes like this:  Santan cannot abide in someone who is redeemed.  The reason is because Satan cannot abide where the Holy Spirit abides. Whilst I agree with this reasoning I disagree about its application to Judas.  I will return to this in a moment. 

The translation of the word “entered” in the Greek can be either literal or figurative.  A good argument cannot be made for either one on its own.  If, however, we consider the other things we have seen about Judas without pre-judging him, it becomes difficult to accept this as a literal entering.  Rather, it seems to me Judas was influenced to take things into his own hands.  

Follow this logic with me.  If Judas was controlled by Satan, he did not have a choice in his actions and, therefore, cannot be held accountable.  I do not believe this.  If he was influenced by Satan but not controlled, then it seems his influence was not simple avarice.  I am not saying he did not misuse the money. I am saying it is too simple for the complex man Judas is as we look at his life. 

It is reductive to write Judas off as a thief who handed over Jesus for coin.  It is simplistic to think he was out of control or acted out of possession.  If we are brave enough to see through the traditional interpretation of what the words indicate, we may find the case for Judas more redeemable than is comfortable for many.  I want to be uncomfortable if I have not looked at someone so close to Jesus honestly, Dear Reader. 

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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It is reductive to write Judas off as a thief who handed over Jesus for coin.