Free The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot by Jeffrey Archer

14:17–21;
Matt 26:20–25;
Luke 22:14, 21–23
    6. Each of them in turn insisted that it could not be him.
    7. Judas knew that he was innocent of such an accusation, as his only purpose was to save Jesus from an unnecessary death.
    8. Peter was the most vehement in his denial. He protested that it could not be him, for he would be willing to lay down his life for Jesus before he would betray him.
    9. Jesus looked at Peter sadly and said: I tell you that even this night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times .
    Mark 14:30;
Matt 26:34;
Luke 22:34
    10. Peter responded with even more passion: I would die with youbefore that could take place .
    see
Mark 14:31;
Matt 26:35
    11. Jesus closed his eyes and began to perform the ceremony of the Passover, marked by the symbolic raising of bitter herbs, bread, wine and other symbols, to relive the story of how the Exodus unfolds.
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    12. The disciples recognized that this re-enactment of the Exodus was no mere gesture, as all Jews believe that God is present at the Passover table.
    13. However, when Jesus opened his eyes and raised the unleavened bread, he did not, as the disciples expected, refer to the gift of manna given during the Exodus.
    14. When he spoke, they were greeted with unfamiliar words: Take, eat, this is my body, given for you, do this in remembrance of me .
    15. Each disciple took of the bread and ate it.
    16. Jesus then raised the cup of wine without mentioning the historic moment when God parted the Red Sea, but instead proclaimed: This is my blood, which is shed for many. Do this in remembrance of me .
    see
Cor I 11:24–25;
Mark 14:22–24;
Matt 26:26–28;
Luke 22:20
    17. The disciples, in turn, drank the wine, even though they feared Jesus was referring to his imminent death.
    18. Judas still believed that not only could he save the Master, but his fellow disciples would rejoice at his bold initiative.
    19. After receiving the morsel of bread, Judas immediately went out and it was night .
    John 13:30
    20. He made his way quickly to the home of the Scribe, who welcomed him.
    21. The Scribe told Judas: ‘I have gathered together many loyal supporters of Jesus, whose single purpose is to save him from an unnecessary death.’
    22. Judas thanked him, and said to the Scribe: ‘After the Passoverfeast, Jesus will go to the Mount of Olives, where he and the other disciples may be found at prayer.
    23. ‘When you come, I will identify the Master, so that together, we can return to Galilee, and save him from an unnecessary death.’

Chapter 21
Master, Master
    1. Judas left the Scribe’s home and made his way to the Mount of Olives.
    2. When he came to a place called Gethsemane, he found Jesus on his knees, deep in prayer.
    see
John 18:2;
Mark 14:26;
Matt 26:30;
Luke 22:39
    3. Many of Jesus’ followers were scattered around the mountain, some praying, while others were fast asleep .
    4. Judas approached the Master and, when he was a few paces off, fell on his knees and joined him in prayer.
    5. Jesus rose suddenly and, raising his arms towards the heavens, said: Abba, with you, all things are possible; take away this cup from me; however, not what I will, but what you command .
    see
Mark 14:36;
Matt 26:39;
Luke 22:42
    6. When Judas heard these words, he was filled with hope that the Master might agree to return to Galilee and avoid the death he had earlier foretold.
    7. Judas walked slowly towards Jesus. He threw his arms round Mark his neck and said: ‘Master, Master,’ and kissed him .
    Mark 14:45;
Matt 26:49;
Luke 22:47–48
    8. Jesus took him in his arms, and Judas was overcome with his compassion.
    9. Suddenly, out of the darkness appeared a band of officers from the Temple, who were carrying lanterns, torches, cudgels, sticks and other weapons.
    10. Jesus released Judas and turned towards them, for he knew allthings that would happen to him .
    John 18:4
    11. Judas reeled back in