JUDAS,THE GREAT

BIBLEOPHILE-2

From the days of the Last Supper, the name of Judas has become synonymous with treachery, cowardice and greed. But there was once a time when this very name stood for loyalty, bravery and selfless sacrifice.

This is what the Bible tells of Judas.

“He extended the glory of his people.                  
 Like a giant he put on his breastplate;                     
 he bound on his armour of war and waged battles,             
 protecting the camp by his sword.        
 He was like a lion in his deeds,       
 like a lion’s cub roaring for prey.           
 He searched out and pursued those who broke the law;               
 He embittered many kings,                                                        
 but he made Jacob glad by his deeds,                                           
 and his memory is blessed for ever.”

                                                                   (1 Maccabees 3.30)

Yes, Judas Maccabeus was a man to reckon. His people adored him. His foes abhorred him.

Do you think Mario Puzo’s crime thriller The Godfather was fascinating? Then Maccabees 1 & 2 is a must read. It tells the story of the Maccabees, a family of Jewish warriors who laid down their lives for their faith.

The story is set a century after the conquest of Judea by the Greeks under Alexander, the Great. Alexander’s Empire was divided at this point and Judea was part of the Seleucid Empire. The book covers the revolt beginning in 167 BCE and underscores how the salvation of the Jewish people in this crisis came from God through Mathathias’ family, particularly his sons Judas, Jonathan and Simon.

This book is filled with heart touching tales, treacherous plots,heroic deeds and powerful speeches. So open the Bible and read what happened to the Maccabees.

P.S: Two must read passages are The Martyrdom of Eleazar ( 2 Maccabees 6:18-31) and The Martyrdom of Seven Brothers ( 2 Maccabees 7:1-42)