I don’t normally read Biblical fiction, as I get distracted thinking about whether the version of events is plausible. However, Mark Worthing has done a good job of explaining his assumptions in the introduction, which sets the tone for the book. I’m a little more cautious about the conclusions Mark appears to be making regarding Judas’ innocence. Nevertheless, Judas’ actions are significantly more understandable when we consider this book’s perspective.
It isn’t hard to imagine Judas misunderstanding the nature of God’s kingdom when Jesus’ other disciples didn’t understand it, even with the benefit of the resurrection. This can be seen from their question: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). As Mark says we probably all have been guilty of misunderstanding God’s plans and pursuing our own agendas, at one time or another. In the end perhaps, Judas’ real problem was his selfishness and lack of humility, which left him unable to repent.
Iscariot covers many of the incidents that occurred during Jesus ministry. Mark looks at these in a down to earth way in keeping with the context and culture of the time. This is quite enlightening in itself.
Iscariot is well written and raises interesting insights into Judas’ motives. Worth a read.
