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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Encouragement (02/23/12)
Jesse beckoned his friend away from the pressing crowds. His cousin glanced around, and then slunk over behind the bush. Jesse cupped his hand around his mouth and leaned closer to Judas. “Well, how much money did you collect this week?”

Shoulders sagging, Judas shook his head. “Not much. Really. We get by with what people give us and sleep where we can lay our heads.”

Stomping his foot, Jesse leaned forward and gritted his teeth. “Don’t give me that nonsense! I know you stayed at Lazarus’ house. Jesus did a great service unto him. If they didn’t pay you for it, then they should have. Even the finest doctors couldn’t make him better once he fell ill. You should have received money or if not you had a chance to take what was rightly deserved.”

Judas exhaled and trembled. “You don’t understand. Jesus is something special. I have this sense of peace deep in my heart when I’m with him. He isn’t a common rabbi or prophet. I think he is the one our people have been waiting for.”

He wound his hand around Judas’ beard and hair, then jerked him off his feet. “Don’t tell me you are getting soft. I’ve told you what the Pharisees are saying. This friend of yours is nothing but a trouble-maker. Soon, people won’t even remember his name.” Jesse kicked a puff of dirt into Judas’ face and snorted. “Besides, Cousin, you owe me. I’ve given you plenty of time to make good on your debts. I never thought you were a welcher. If you can’t come up with the money, maybe your little sister will be able to work off your debt for you.”

A look of horror flitted over Judas’ face. “How dare you? Listen to me. This is greater than you can imagine. He is truly healing the sick, performing incredible miracles, and the way he talks…it’s special. I don’t feel right about this.”

He looked Jesse in the eye and flinched when he saw the greed pouring out of his sockets. Why did I get into this mess? Jesse yanked his hair again. Judas stumbled and nearly fell over. He lowered his eyes. “Give me until the end of the week, I’ll think of something.”

Jesse let go of his hair and patted his cheek. “No need to wait. I've arranged a meeting with a guard. He is willing to pay you to lead him to Jesus.“ His voice softened. “There is nothing to fear. If this man is as great as you say, surely his God will save him. Furthermore, when you started following him, he made all kinds of wild promises. Tah! Fishers of men, you’re nothing. He promised you riches, you haven’t received any. He’s just using you.”

Sighing, Judas covered his face. “I don’t think that’s what he meant.”

“What else could it have meant? He owes you. You’ve schlepped all over the desert for this man. You’ve put yourself in dire circumstances. The soldiers will target you next. Then who will protect your family?” Jesse’s lips parted into a sinister grin. The sunlight reflected off his teeth.

Judas shivered. “Perhaps you’re right. I have done so much for him. I’ve seen to his meals and lodging. I’ve cleared the crowds when they press in on him. He said that we’ll receive our glory in heaven. What good are riches then? I need payment now!”

“Yes, you need to think of yourself and your sister. If he’s so special, then why did he rebuke you at Simon’s? You had a right to be upset when that woman squandered the perfume! To publically embarrass such a man like you -- that is what a teacher does?”

Judas felt the blood rush to his cheeks. “It was humiliating. Everyone glowered at me, as if I had been the wasteful one.”

“But you were thinking of others. You can do this, I have it all arranged. Jesus is a stranger. Your loyalty should be to your blood. A decent man protects his family. You’re doing the right thing.” Jesse clapped him on the back. “You’ll meet with the guard at sunrise. Don’t tarry, take the money and return here. Be the man your father raised you to be.”

Judas nodded and marched back to the crowd. He stopped short, to brush a stray tear away, before rejoining his friends.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
03/01/12
Wow! This was a marvelous entry of what Judas may have been going through prior to that "horrendous day."

This was well written, powerfully executed, and completely on topic.

It was a clever use of topic...turned it around to the antithesis of "encouragement" by the "other side." Interesting way of presenting encouragement.

Brilliant job...Thank you for this. Well done.

God bless you~
Dannie Hawley 
03/02/12
A very creative new POV to a familiar story. Captivating read. Very well written.
Ken Ebright 
03/04/12
I didn’t know you’re a Biblical historian. Ha ha ha (laugh) What is encouraging to me was that Judas is different. He does not seem to be the same person who betrayed Jesus.
Lillian Rhoades 
03/06/12
Encouragement to do a dastardly deed - that's a clever twist! You had great dialogue, but I think sometimes it got lost in the action; at least for me.
I loved your progressive development of the characters through your use of diaglogue. A wonderful example of "showing." The story moved right to a fitting end. :-)
Allison Egley 
03/06/12
Oh, I love this. This is such a unique POV. It makes one thing about Judas' motivation.
Edmond Ng
03/06/12
A very bold approach re-characterizing Judas in the story. On the whole as a fictional story, the plot from a different POV is well written.
Leola Ogle 
03/06/12
Chilling twist on a familiar story. I read a poem one time about two mothers meeting in heaven and talking of their sons - one was Jesus' mother, Mary, and the other was Judas' mother. Very poignant! Good job writing this entry! God bless!
Allen Povenmire 
03/06/12
That was an imaginative piece. I've often thought what Judas' point of view might be like. Good job of making it come to life.
Rachel Phelps
03/07/12
This is a POV I've never seen presented before, and as such I love it. You had some pleasing understatement and implications. The only red ink I would have would be check your pacing. A few paragraphs felt very rushed. Overall, well done!
Amanda Brogan
03/07/12
This story is utterly brilliant! You painted Judas in an entirely different light than the way we usually see him. And yet it shows that he still had a choice, no matter what his motives were or who was influencing him.

Marvelous writing!
Bea Edwards 
03/11/12
Hello Shann,
I was curious at your title for this submission and as I desire to learn more about all the wonderful word smiths at FWs, decided to give it a read through. Your story line captivated my interest and has given me reason to contemplate a very essential part of who we all are, that no one but or heavenly Father knows. Motives....out heart issue. Thank you for this well written entry into why none of us has the capacity to or should ever presume to judge why another does what they do!