I view both of these characters and maybe the situation differently. I see Jesus allowing Judas to betray him. Jesus obviously could have choosen not to let events unfold. The betrayal was a situation that got out of hand and if Judas had known the outcome he would not have betrayed Jesus. It's clear he felt terrible remorse in the end which he would not have felt if Jesus were not a friend or someone important to him. I don't believe Judas knowingly intended to deliever him to be crucified. But this is not even relavent. What I am most struck with are the last words of Jesus when he says "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." It's clear all who were involved in having a part of the crucifition were forgiven. It had to come about.
As far as the character of John the Baptist I debate if he wasn't killed off as a figure to make way for Jesus. A first time reader immediately gets the impression John is greater then Jesus in the beginning. His death solves the problem and removes him from the conflict. What confuses me about John is the conflict when John "knows" who Jesus is at one time yet while he is in prision he sends his deciples to asks if he is.
Is the crucifiction pivotal or the resurrection. |