Judas the Sanhedrist
One of the Sanhedrin members friends of Lazarus. This Judean from Betheron is "a descendant of the Asideans, the last one", it was said of him when he appeared at Lazarus's funeral.[1] He is thus the last survivor of those fierce Jews, known as the Hassidim, who fought against Antiochus Epiphanes alongside the Maccabees (and sometimes against them). The Hassidim gave rise to two opposing groups: the Pharisees (Peroushïm) and the essenes.
Although this Sanhedrin member remains in the shadows and his friendship is discreet, it is not out of indifference. Indeed, he is seen joining a group of high-ranking notables to go to the meeting against a banned Jesus who returns to Jerusalem to live his Passion.[2] This group consists of Joel of Abijah called Alamoth, Eliel, and Elkanah, the brothers of Johanna of Chuza.
The authors of the "Dictionary of Gospel Characters, According to Maria Valtorta" suppose that he joins the group of the seventy-two disciples at the great gathering of five hundred on Mount Tabor and that it is to him and his companion Philip that the risen Jesus says:
"[Elias, then Zacharias] come to me, take your place with the seventy-two [...]. And you, Philip, and again you, his companion, who do not want to be called with your name any more,[3] as it sounds horrible to you, so take that of your father, who is a just man, even if he is not yet among those who follow Me openly."[4]
Character and Appearance
Black eyes, very lively.[5]
Apostolic Path
This Sanhedrin member will confess his faith anonymously:
"You are good, Master. I have become acquainted with You too late, o Word of God! But still in time to love You as You deserve, if not to serve You as long as I would have liked, as I would like now."[6]
His Name
Jude or Judas (Iehouda) and its feminine Judith come from the Hebrew “yehoudi” meaning Judean, Jew. Historical reference: Judah, son of Jacob. Judas Maccabee, the craftsman of the liberation of the Jewish people.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
Notes and references
- ↑ GRM 546.7.
- ↑ GRM 580
- ↑ The authors of the Dictionary of Gospel Characters, According to Maria Valtorta suppose it is Philip the Sanhedrist at the end of his faith journey, accompanied by his colleague Judas (Jude the Sanhedrist), the Assidean not wanting to bear the same name as the traitor. He then took his father's name: Baba.
- ↑ GRM 634.14
- ↑ GRM 578
- ↑ GRM 578.4.