Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: TALKATIVE (09/08/16)
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TITLE: Thirty Pieces | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gary Ritter
09/12/16 -
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“Do I? Maybe it’s because of the feeling I have. That rabbi choosing you to be one of his disciples could be the best thing that ever happens to us.”
“It’s exciting, isn’t it? Can you believe some of the miracles he’s performed? And I’m going to be part of his inner circle.” Judas shook his head, his eyes aglow.
“Yes. Think of the opportunities.” Sarah touched the place above his heart. “We’re so alike, you and me. Pretty soon you’ll be scheming to find ways to profit from your relationship with him.” She saw how shocked he was. “Come on, you can’t tell me you haven’t thought about that.”
Judas held up his hand. “On my honor, Sarah, it never crossed my mind. This man Jesus is enough to make me change my ways. Just watch, he’s so holy that when you’re with him more, you’ll want to change, too.”
Sarah had the chance to spend more time in the rabbi’s presence when she joined the several women, some of them disciples’ wives like her, who accompanied Jesus on his travels. Daily she heard him speaking to the crowds and had to admit he made some good points.
When Judas returned from a trip on which Jesus had sent the Twelve two-by-two, he went on and on about the kingdom of heaven come to earth, the miracles even he performed, and the demon spirits he had helped cast out. It was on Judas’ return that he also confided to Sarah the way he could enrich them.
“You wouldn’t believe the people giving us money. Bartholomew tried to tell them we couldn’t take it, but there were times he was out of earshot. I assured everyone any funds they contributed would go toward supporting Jesus’ ministry. They were so eager to give, it was pathetic.” He dug into the small money bag he carried. “Look at this!” The many coins sparkled in his hand.
“These came from people giving? I love it.”
He winked. “This is the extra that I withheld from our common treasury.”
The next week Jesus appointed Judas keeper of the ministry’s funds. In talking it over with Sarah, he said, “I love Jesus, but he’s so trusting. Maybe I shouldn’t skim off the top. It’s not right, you know.”
“Are you going to go all Ten Commandments on me? Jesus knew your inclinations when he chose you to be part of his group. It wouldn’t surprise me if he expects you to take some of the money. That being the case, it’s perfectly okay for us to have it.”
His skeptical expression worried Sarah. She appreciated the extra income Judas had recently brought home. “If it’ll make you feel better, just tithe from what you take. That way God’ll get his portion.”
Sarah knew herself to be quite persuasive. Using her many wiles, she and Judas soon saw eye-to-eye once more.
One day Judas came to her in a troubled mood. “You know the Pharisees hate Jesus. For some reason they approached me and asked me to help them. I don’t know why they’d think I would do that, but I did ask what it was worth to them. They only want to question Jesus privately. With all the crowds it makes private conversations impossible. Their request seems reasonable.”
“What did you ask for in return?”
“You’ll be proud of me. I had them make the offer, then I negotiated it up. Sarah, they’ll give me thirty pieces of silver simply for pointing out Jesus to their officials so they can spend some quiet time with him.”
The thought of that much money stirred within Sarah. She grabbed Judas. “Do it soon!”
The night of the Passover feast came. Sarah and the other women weren’t invited, just Jesus’ disciples. She stewed as she waited, thinking of their burgeoning cash hoard. The silver glittered on the table before her. Suddenly Judas burst in. “They took him, not like they said. This isn’t right.” He grabbed the bag and stuffed the coins inside. “I have to return this.”
“No! What are you doing? I have plans for that!”
Judas stormed out.
He didn’t return that night. When she found the other disciples the next day, she heard the terrible news of Judas and Jesus. It left her bereft, searching. Where could she turn for answers?
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