The Only Disciple Jesus Called, "Friend"

**Spoiler alert!!**

Speaking of The Chosen, what did you think of the reveal at the end of Season 2?

We finally get to meet the final disciple: Judas. He's pictured above on the right... and what I love most about this is that The Chosen posted this photo on their social media before season 2 began. #eastereggalert! I love any time anyone does this!

What I loved about the introduction of Judas' character is that it is so complex. The show intentionally is not writing him as someone bent on betrayal from day one. He's fascinated by Jesus and wants to get close to Him. So since we know what ultimately happens, it's going to be interesting to see how he gets to those closing moments. 

Watching it, as well as an interview between the show's creator, director, and co-writer, Dallas Jenkins, and the actor Luke Dimyan, I really appreciated depth and layers they are giving this character. Since made me think of a book I read a few years ago, Iscariot by Tosca Lee, I went and re-read it last week. 

When I first read this book, I didn't know what to think other than that it was excellently researched, beautifully written.... and I felt both empathy and compassion for the book's version of Judas, which endeavored to give an explanation as to why he could have betrayed Jesus. 

And then I felt guilty at feeling that way.

Which, I think, was part of the point.

Lee points out in the author's remarks that in the Bible, Judas was the only disciple that Jesus actually called, "Friend". That in an of itself made me stop and think. She says on page 331, "When Jesus predicted at the last supper that one of them would betray Him, why would Judas, who was knowingly delivering his master to death, open ask, 'Is it me, Lord?' and be broken to the point of suicide over it?" The fictional backstory she wrote was not only probable from a historical and cultural viewpoint, but makes sense from a character's development as well. 

While we might not know the whole story, I look forward to seeing what The Chosen does with this character, as well as with the 11 other disciples, the 'girl gang', and every other character who comes through the show. And I believe that while Judas' end is known, there might still be surprises in store for the viewers along his journey over the next 5 seasons.

You can catch The Chosen here or Tosca Lee's Iscariot here on Amazon!