Iscariot

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13-19)

The one name that stands out is Judas Iscariot.  He is the only one with a last name although it may be a creation by Mark to better identify Judas.  We do not know the meaning of “Iscariot,” although some have said it means: “a person who betrays another; traitor.”  It seems likely Mark knew of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, so he penned the name, sort of like Jesus Christ with Christ meaning Messiah – not being Jesus’ surname.

None of us would want to be labelled an “Iscariot.”  However, many of us deserve that label either for betrayal of a friend or family member.  Perhaps those of us with that guilt should wear a Scarlet I.   

The Scarlet Letter was written in 1850 by Nathanial Hawthorne.  It was a letter worn to indicate adultery – unfaithfulness.  It was public shaming.

Those who betray the oaths they swear to protect our nation and Constitution should be required to wear the I, perhaps in Gothic form and in red.  Unfortunately, for many who feel no shame, they would simply alter it to read “I Am.”  Such is the effect of ego and the influence of power.

Deacon David Pierce