(Download) "From Villain to Tragic Figure: The Characterization of Judas in Matthew (Essay)" by Currents in Theology and Mission ~ eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: From Villain to Tragic Figure: The Characterization of Judas in Matthew (Essay)
- Author : Currents in Theology and Mission
- Release Date : January 01, 2010
- Genre: Politics & Current Events,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 257 KB
Description
As a literary character in Matthew's theological narrative, Judas is an intriguing figure. On the one hand, he has one essential role in the plot, which is to hand over Jesus to the religious authorities. Thus, Matthew's narrative compels the reader to view and evaluate Judas in relationship to this handing-over role. On the other hand, Judas docs not remain a flat, one-dimensional character. Surprisingly, he undergoes a reversal after he has fulfilled his role. This unexpected reversal moves a villainous Judas to the threshold of redemption. Yet Judas' reversal ends tragically as he fails to find the redemption he seeks. In what follows, we will trace the characterization of Judas in Matthew as he moves from villain to tragic figure. The characterization of Judas does not begin at 26:14-16 where Judas speaks and acts in his own right for the first time. Rather, the reader begins to build Judas' character when he is first introduced in the list of the twelve apostles in 10:2-4. (1) Here Judas receives two epithets, which provide the impetus for his characterization. Judas is marked as "one of the twelve" (ef. 10:2; 26:14, 47) and as "the one who handed him over" (ef. 10:4; 26:25, 46; 27:3). (2) Being identified as one of the twelve means Judas shares a particular relationship with Jesus. The reader is to regard him as one called by Jesus and authorized for the mission of the kingdom (10:1-7). Henceforth, the reader is to assume that Judas is present when "the disciples" or "the twelve" appear in the story. Thus, Judas is privy to Jesus' teachings given not to the general populace but intended for the private audience of disciples (e.g., 13:10-52). When the disciples worship Jesus as God's Son (14:22-33) or when Simon Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, God's Son (16:13-20), Judas is present. Thus, he is to be viewed as part of the protagonist's inner circle.