Journey to Jerusalem: Choice of antagonist
When Yeshua came down the stairs, the full moon hung low in the eastern sky. He saw Yehuda standing, his head trembling and his feet were unsteady on the floor. His eyes were cast on the ground.
Yeshua went straight in front of him, placed his arms on the shoulders and whispered, “Yehuda!”
“Rabbi! Why me?” There were tears flowing and lips shivered.
“Did I not absorb and appoint you as one of my followers? Did I not assign you the responsibility according to your talents? Did I not send you all over the place with power and authority? I have full faith in you to complete the task? Why, then, be weakened?”
“Yes, Rabbi! Indeed, weakened I am! But not because of any doubt. I have been a faithful follower of the Way, right from the day you called me from the group of Yohanan.”
Yehuda continued after a few gasps of breath.
“I am worried that I am pushed out of the Twelve for my discontent with you at Miriam’s house. I commented because I expected that you would ask me to get it from Marta and give it to the poor, for I know how kind you are to them.”
Yeshua remembered the evening when he rebuked him.
“Certainly not because of that,” he replied and continued, “I have rebuked many because of your earthly thoughts and not because of any grudge.”
“But, why?” questioned Yehuda. “Of all the people in the group, why did you single me out for this task? I was keen and excited to share the Way with all, even until my town, Kerioth, at the border.”
He paused. The moon had moved away from the horizon.
“Now, I will be branded with disgrace and deceit. What a fall!” — A slight sarcastic tone was evident.
“So is with me. The triumphant entry will turn into a humiliating procession. That’s how the mission is to be fulfilled for the glorious climax. You are part of this mission. Everyone has a role to play, right from Johanan. You shall play the role, even if it is antagonistic.”
“Yes, I have decided that your name will go down in the history as a betrayer. But remember the message of hope, love and forgiveness. When they realize, they will appreciate the necessity of your role.”
There was a glimmer of hope in the eyes of Yehuda.
Yeshua continued, “In my kingdom, I have declared a place, even, for a thief. I have prayed to Him to forgive, for they know not what they are doing. This is my promise. But, for this role, you will suffer from remorse and meet the end.”
Yeshua took a step forward and hugged him tightly. The hearts beat together at the magnificence of the mission that will bring a social innovation which will remain forever among the societies from the four corners of the world.
“Yehuda, son of Simon from Kerioth! Strengthen yourself. Now you go out and do as per the direction of your heart.”
When he had said this, Yeshua loosened his arms, took a step back, turned around and took the stairs.
Yehuda hurried into the street.
