Lesson nine - Judas betrays Jesus (pages 18-19)

Aims for the book

• To introduce pupils to key events from the life of Jesus and the way in which these raise questions about the person of Jesus.
• To enable pupils to understand the importance of these events at the time of Jesus.
• To enable pupils to reflect on the relevance of these events for Christians today.
• To encourage pupils to raise questions about these events in the light of their own experience.

Learning objectives

Pupils will;

• explore the character of Judas in the story of Jesus’ betrayal;
• consider feelings of betrayal and make links with their own experience.

Background

Judas is usually regarded as the ‘treasurer’ of the disciples and is occasionally cast in a poor light. It is not clear why he betrayed Jesus. Perhaps he wanted to force Jesus’ hand and make him do a fantastic miracle; perhaps he was disillusioned; perhaps he had a quick impulsive temperament. Perhaps, most important of all, he was a bit like us, frightened, concerned, unable to be brave – a bit like Peter. Things got out of hand and so he threw away the money and he killed himself.

Text from the book

Judas was a friend and follower of Jesus – so why do you think he betrayed him? How do you feel when you do something you regret?

Some people thought Jesus was a dangerous troublemaker and wanted to get rid of him. Judas, one of his followers, betrayed Jesus. He told Jesus’ enemies he would help them to capture him in return for money. Jesus already knew that his friend would betray him. Judas led the enemies to Jesus, went up to him and kissed him. This was to show them whom they should arrest and take away for trial.

Ways of using the picture

• Discuss with the pupils why they think Judas may have betrayed Jesus.
• Judas is always regarded as a bad person. Do you agree? Why? What would you have done if you were Judas?
• Ask the pupils to express in writing how they feel when they are betrayed – or betray!

Bible references

Luke 22.47-53, Matthew 26. 47-56, 27.3-9, Mark 14.43-50, John 18.3-11

Key words

• Fear/afraid
• Authority
• Regret
• Peer pressure
• Betray
• ‘To make a stand for something’
• Betray
• Betrayal

Activity

Discuss the situation in which Judas found himself; the reasons why Judas might have acted the way he did.

Discuss when we might have betrayed someone and the feeling associated with that action of betrayal; why did we betray them, did we feel pressured to go with the crowd?

Discuss when we have felt betrayed and the feelings associated with that betrayal. Why did that person betray us? Could we forgive them in an understanding of their point of view? Or is the act of betrayal beyond our forgiveness?

Look carefully at the painting on page 18. Make a list of the words to describe the emotions in the different faces. Working in groups, use these ideas for each group to create either a poem or a short piece of drama or mime entitled ‘The Betrayal’.

Learning outcomes

Pupils will;

• be able to discuss the act of betrayal from their viewpoint or the viewpoint of others;
• be able to discuss the issues surrounding Judas' betrayal of Jesus.

Extension work

How do the pupils think Jesus responded to Judas? Did Judas receive forgiveness?

Consider the old saying of 'running with the foxes and hunting with the hounds'. Write a poem or story about how it feels to run with the crowd and do what the majority want and then how it feels to run against the crowd and be in a position of a minority where you may have to stand up firmly for what you believe to be right.

Discuss the concept of fear of rejection of our friends and seeking approval from those who’s opinion we value/want to impress.

Web site links

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08539a.htm
The Catholic web site provides further information on the life of Judas.

© Alan Brown and Alison Seaman, 2002

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