The Gospel of Judas: Part III
Scene #3:
Judas said, “Teacher, just as you listened to all of them (the disciples), now listen to me also. “For I have seen a great vision…I saw myself in a vision. The twelve disciples were stoning me; they were persecuting me severely.”
“And I came also to the place…after you. I saw (a house) but my eyes were not able (to measure) its extent. But some elders of great stature were surrounding it, and that house was roofed with greenery. In the midst of the house was a crowd…Teacher, let me be taken (in) with these people.”
(Jesus) replied…”since no mortal human being offspring is worthy to enter the house that you saw. For this is the place which is preserved for the holy ones.” …”…(the holy ones) stand firm in the realm with the holy angels. Behold, I have told you the mysteries of the kingdom.”
When Judas heard these things, he said to him (Jesus), “What benefit have I received because you separated me for (from) that race (human race)?” Jesus answered,…”you will be cursed by the rest of the races– but you will rule over them. In the last days they will…and you will go up to the holy race.”
Commentary:
Jesus continues to talk of the deeper knowledge to Judas. He tells him that upon the death of our mortal bodies, there is no resurrection of the flesh. The house that Judas sees could be interpreted as the heavenly temple.
“It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life”. (John 6:63)
“Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness…So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them”. (Genesis 1:26-27) This image of God we carry within us makes us superior to the lower angels, the rulers of chaos. Jesus explains to Judas that God did not abandon us to these dark forces, but made sure we could rise above them. For we have all received a divine spirit, so we can worship the true God of the heavenly realm.
“Just as we have born the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the imperishable.” (I Corinthians 15:49-50)