Judas and Jesus

It was printed in block letters with a felt tip pen across the top of the mirror in the men's restroom in a restaurant in San Francisco: JUDAS COME HOME--ALL IS FORGIVEN! The story of Judas is the story of each of us, to some degree. The past cannot be corrected nor failures erased by remorse. I suspect that the wounds to the soul of Judas were deep and devastating, particularly because they were largely self-inflicted. It hurts to have failed others and even more to have failed ourselves. Judas is the voice within us that will not be put to rest with platitudes nor silenced with sensible palliatives for nonsensical pain. Where human love, even self love, turns away with regret, or even disgust, divine love persists and prevails as the amazing grace of God. It is of this grace that I write, of Judas and of the healing of the deep wounds to his soul. The healing begins, for him as it does for us, with a meeting, a mending, and a mirror, in which we see ourselves reflected in the face of God.As theologian and pastor, Ray Anderson courageously probes the Judas experience in order to help us get in touch with the depths of despair and hopelessness within ourselves. He finds there, where we often least expect it but should dare to embrace it, the forgiveness of Jesus, the grace of the risen Christ. -Eugene H. Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, CanadaDr. Anderson offers thoughtful insight into the earthly and eternal significance of the betrayal of Jesus by one of His own hand_picked disciples. While those who tell the story of Judas see him as a traitor, Dr. Anderson explains that Jesus Christ saw Judas as an answer to prayer, as a disciple whose feet He washed, and the man who expressed remorse for his sin of betrayal. After reading this book, you will see Judas as you never have before, and you will revel in God's amazing grace. This remarkable book is a perfect antidote for those struggling with broken hearts, broken spirits, and wounded souls.Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Former Chaplain. United States SenateRAY S. ANDERSON (1925-2009) was Senior Professor of Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary where he has taught for more than thirty years. He is the author of more than twenty-five books, including, The Seasons of Hope, Marriage and Family Ministry in a Postmodern Culture, The Soul of Ministry, Ministry on the Fireline, and The Shape of Practical Theology. He also serves as Teaching Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, California.