This recount is well known to Christians.
In a way I find it sad.
Maybe as sad as the case of Judas Iscariot, who, as one of the 12 disciples, day after day witnessed the Master in action.
Listened to His stories and parables, saw the way He ministered to the bodies and minds of afflicted humans with kindness and compassion.
Wrought miracle after miracle.
Was no doubt moved by all he saw and heard.
And, in the end, still betrayed His Master.
What could be more tragic than that?
Was he perhaps one of whom the Master spoke when He said: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world — but lose his own soul?”
Only Judas did not gain the whole world.
He gained 30 pieces of silver.
Which he wanted to return, but by then it was too late.
The Jewish leaders to whom he betrayed Christ, once eager to hear him, now looked on him with disdain.
His remorse fell on deaf ears.
Judas left their presence nonmollified and stricken.
Like the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus, his heart burned within him.
But his was a different kind of burn.
One that would consume him.
