Chapter 41
What prompted Jesus’ anger when he lashed out at the moneychangers in the temple? (Luke 19:45–46)
When was Judas’ last act as a moneychanger? Imagine how he must have felt. Discuss.
Chapter 42
Relate Luke 21:14–20 and I Corinthians 11:23–29 to the story of the Last Supper as told in this chapter.
Explain your understanding of the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion. How does it affect your relationship with Jesus?
What is transubstantiation? Consubstantiation? The doctrine of the Real Presence?
Chapter 43
Agree or disagree: The author portrays Judas’ betrayal of Jesus as innocent and well-intentioned. Recall Judas’ self-appointed purpose, which was introduced in the beginning of the book. Discuss this statement from Chapter 1: “There are risks involved in presuming to know the mind of God.” What are the implications of this statement in the context of Judas’ part in the crucifixion narrative? How did pride figure into this incident?
Has your own pride ever gotten you in trouble? Explain.
What was happening in Judas’ heart as he remembered the bees (refer back to Chapter 36)?
Chapter 45
Consider Caiaphas’ interrogation of Judas. How important was it for a Jew to know his lineage?
What did Judas mean when he answered, “I am of the Diaspora”?
Why would Jesus be better off in the custody of the Sanhedrin than the Romans?
How was Judas like his grandfather?
Session VI
The Trial, Chapters 46 through 51
Chapter 47
Describe the scene when Jesus said, “Is it with a kiss, then, that I am to be handed over?”
Consider and discuss the emotions of Judas, Jesus, the Disciples, and Ehud.
For what was Jesus being handed over?
Consider again how this statement of Jesus’ relates: “Our futures are woven on the Father’s loom and into the fabric of our lives.”
Explain what Jesus said about darkness. Discuss Luke 11:33–36.
Chapter 48
Read Psalm 143:8. It is the scripture that Judas chanted. Following this in the narrative he said, “…but I always began my day in hope, a habit that sustained me over the years.” How did the verse from Psalms help Judas?
Have you experienced the strength and hope that comes from knowing scripture?
What scripture verse do you use to bring strength in a time of crisis or need?
Chapter 49 and 50
Describe the “legal proceedings.”
What was Judas’ purpose in following Jesus all that time?
Is it “fair” that Judas be remembered as a traitor?
What did Judas pray for at the end of Chapter 50? Why?
Chapter 51
What were the charges against Jesus?
Who did Jesus claim to be?
Read Caiaphas’ speech. What did he mean by “Way and Truth”? Relate that to what Jesus said about himself in John 14:6. What do you suppose was the reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus’ claim?
What is Pax Romana? What did it do for Jewish culture? Were the Jews happy with it?
Session VII
The Crucifixion, Chapters 52 and 58
Chapter 52
What reason did Caiaphas give for taking Jesus to Pilate?
Describe Pilate’s demeanor.
How did Pilate refer to Herod? Why did he assign the Galilean to Herod?
Chapter 53
Who was Rufus and what was his plea to Pilate?
What role did Pilate previously play in the history that so deeply marked Judas?
Who was the old soldier, now Judas’ guard?
Describe how Judas must have felt upon making this discovery. Put yourself into the story. What would you do? Does forgiveness come into play here?
Chapter 54
Why would the eyes of Jesus—the Son of the God of Love and Forgiveness—be defiant?
What did Jesus mean when he said, “My kingdom is not of this world”? Are you a part of His kingdom? Why or why not?
Why was Jesus tortured and crucified after Pilate said,“I can find no crime here?”
Think about Caiaphas’ statement, “You have your duty, Prefect, I have mine. This man threatens the whole of our nation.” Discuss it in light of the context of the entire paragraph.
What is the real purpose of the brutal crucifixion? What does it mean to you?
Chapter 55 and 56
Did you realize the brutality of the crucifixion?
Do you think the author’s depiction is accurate?
Why did Jesus say to the thief on the cross next to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise?”
Examine your feelings after reading these two chapters and share them with the group.
Chapter 57
Jesus quoted Psalm 22 from the Cross? Why? Is it prophetic?
Do you think quoting the psalm helped Jesus? Why?
Session VIII
The End and the Beginning: Summing up
Chapter 58 through Epilogue
What did Jesus mean when he said, “I sought the cross that all might live…” and “Then you must live, too”? Is this part of the story possible?
Explain your understanding of the Resurrection. What does it mean to you?
Was Judas the betrayer or was he the betrayed? Discuss.
Judas is the disciple we love to hate. How do you feel about him after reading the book?
Did Judas find his treasure?
Does the author draw an accurate picture of Jesus, as you’ve come to know Him?
Jesus seemed to be able to read the disciples’ thoughts. Is that consistent with Scripture? Can He read yours?
Spend some time thinking about what thoughts can be hidden from God and discuss them with the group.
What have you learned from reading Judas, The Gospel of Betrayal? How will it change your life?
After reading this fictional gospel, has it changed the way you think about the authentic one? If so, in what way?
In the end, do we need Judas in the gospel story at all? Why? Why not? If we don’t need him, why is he there?
Tell us what you think about
Judas, The Gospel of Betrayal.
Would you recommend it to a friend?
Do you think it is an appropriate book to introduce a skeptic, nonbeliever, or hesitant Christian to the Gospel?
Are there other topics or personalities you would like to see depicted this way? For example, could you see St. Paul in a novel of this sort? Peter?
How does this book compare to other Biblical fiction you may have read?
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