Judas In Jerusalem

by Joseph Lewis Heil

Well known to Christians and many non-Christians are the four Gospel accounts of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, now referred to as Palm Sunday. These narratives also tell of the following Thursday when Jesus celebrated his last Passover Supper with his apostle friends. Judas In Jerusalem explores the four ominous days that led Judas to betray Jesus.

In the Prologue, two thirteen-year-old cousins, John and Jesus, roam the hill country near Jerusalem. They talk of everything they know and dream. Their mothers want them to master the carpentry trade, but the boys reject that.

John, now mature, lives alone in the desert. A weakened man, Judas, collapses near his camp. John rescues him and encourages him to seek Jesus. Near Jericho, Judas encounters Jesus, who asks him to join his band of followers.

Word comes that Jesus’ cousin, John, has been arrested. Despite the danger, Jesus travels to Jerusalem, where his radical teachings are opposed by many members of the Sanhedrin. He enters the Holy City to welcoming crowds. A wealthy follower, Joseph of Arimathea, invites Jesus and one of his friends to dine with him that evening. Jesus chooses Judas.

Thereafter begins the moral degeneration of Judas, leading to his so-called betrayal of Jesus. Lust, greed, anger, and pride enter his mind and heart, which lead tragically to a senseless, condemning act. Finding himself trapped by men far more clever than himself, Judas is presented with a life or death proposition.

Is Judas guilty of a betrayal? Or is he betrayed? The four evangelists tell us little.

This novel reveals the life and death of Judas In Jerusalem.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2018

About the author

Joseph Lewis Heil was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was educated at Marquette University High School and received his bachelor of arts degree in the Great Books Program from the University of Notre Dame.
Inspired by family stories, his parents and grandparents told, his love of history and literature, his observations of trends in American society, politics and culture, he began writing his first novel, "The War Less Civil," in the late 1990s. After a decade he submitted the novel to the Faulkner-Wisdom Novel Competition where it was named a finalist in 2011.
Heil's second historical novel, "Judas In Jerusalem" was published in 2018.
His third book, "The Universal Heart & Other Essays, Stories, Vignettes and Poems" was published in 2024. All books are available in print and digital formats.

Reviews

[Marge Veilleux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different view

This book was well written depicting the mindset of Judas. A great read as we enter the final weeks of Lent.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find it hard to either rate or review this book. I have always felt that there was so much more to explore in regard to Judas but here he is such an unpleasant character that, whilst having some empathy for him as written, it doesn't add much to a deeper discourse on his motives for betraying Jesus.

I am not a fan of the use of language in this book, which is harsh and unpoetic, as well as being jarringly modern on occasion. That said, there are some beautiful passages. The death of John the Baptist is moving, as are Mary's words about her son and the writings about his teachings. The final paragraphs are also beautifully written.

I am glad that I read this book; a flawed,but occasionally beautiful, addition to the story of the Crucifixion and the days leading up to it.

[Tom Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Human Touch

Judas is despised. Yet, there are other stories. The Gnostic Gospel of Judas tells us Christ begged Judas to betray him, in order to seal the prophecies. There are the Gospel accounts, too.

This novel gives us another facet/picture of Judas. He was abused as a child, went out on his own, became a thief (the author tells us he took the water bag of John the Baptist!) and was glassy-eyed at the 30 pieces of silver:

“Smiling broadly in the faint lamp glow, Simon said, “Think of it Judas. After tonight you will be one of Jerusalem’s richest vagabonds. Be happy, young man!” Judas didn’t know how to respond, so he simply feigned laughter. In fact, possessing a fair number of Roman silvers excited him, like lust.”

Mr. Heil’s novel sounds authentic and anyone who wants to understand the greed-turned-redemption of Judas such as:

“They’re arresting him,” Judas shouted. “There’s no need. . . .” “Quiet,” Simon said. “It’s a mere formality. You know very well Jesus wouldn’t go willingly to speak with any of the authorities. They arrest only because it assures that Jesus will cooperate.”

You will marvel at the clearly written events and the intriguing interactions between the characters. Religious, political and material desires clash! Five stars.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really, really good fictionalized story of the last 4 days Judas Iscariot spent on earth. It may not appeal to everyone, especially those who may not be familiar with him, hard as it may be to believe that anyone would not, but for someone who was raised in a Catholic family and spent her entire education, right through to and including college, in catholic schools, it called my name, very loudly.
I admit to having had that wandering thought, from time to time, through these past many, many years since my youth, about what would drive a person who was supposedly a follower and witness to the true good that was Jesus of Nazareth, to betray him.
With a kiss.
For 30 pieces of silver.
Very intriguing reasoning and can actually make one contemplate: Hmmmmmmm......perhaps some divine inspiration at work????
Glad I read it.

[Ms. E aka Ms. ECharm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great depiction of a story told through the eyes of Judas.

I truly enjoyed this story! The author was able to capture a glimpse on what could have happened to the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. The feelings and description of each character’s responses allowed me to visualize every action and reaction.

The one thing I needed to keep in mind is. Sometimes authors may forget some details they may have heard that are incorrect. For example. Mary Magdalene was not into prostitution. She was tormented/possessed by demons and Jesus drove them out of her.
I loved how the author retold different events and miracles Jesus performed before he met Judas.

I just adore this book!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking

This was not a great book but I appreciate the attempt to explain what ‘demons’ inhabited Judas.

Of course it is all conjecture. Some of the narrative was too ‘modern’ but again, this was an attempt to make Judas’ actions more understandable.

I still find you just such an interesting and perplexing individual. I think I would About who he was this a person, and how he came to be the betrayer of Jesus. Having said all of this, though I did enjoy this book, and it certainly gives you food for thought.

[Jim Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's fiction based on Biblical events but it does put human faces on the names I've known most of my life. It puts Judas in another light. It doesn't try to defend what he did. It just provides a scenario where maybe it's a bit more understandable and leaves room for Jesus to have actually forgiven him. Like I said, it's fiction but it does make me think that God does the judging - not me.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't get further than chapter 2. I liked the concept of the book, imagining what Judas Iscariot's life could have been like. However, I felt the level of the narrative was aimed more at children and young teenagers. I like the novels I read to drip feed me information about the characters at various intervals, to let me try and imagine their lives and actions.

[Patsy Nieboer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Interesting concept. Good read for Easter. Since I knew the outcome I skimmed over the ending. Would recommend to read.

[Barry Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

Enjoyed this book as it took nothing away from the bible story. Makes it easier to understand story in bible.

[Lichakk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite scriptural my accurate

No where in scripture does it say Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. While the book was intriguing, that inference bothered me.

[Stan Hobbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Judas I

.I suppose this is just one b person the author
Idea of Judas but to belief probably not true . I did not find the book intriguing.

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Although I didn't agree with the author on some parts, it was an entertaining read, and another perspective to contemplate!

[Helen the Bassist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heil has excellent vocabulary and an occasionally beautiful turn of phrase but his plotting leaves much to be desired. It felt like he had a word limit to meet sometimes!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really neat perspective on the question I asked in Sunday School, "Did God set Judas up?"

[Marilyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing

Poorly written and offered no new insights. Not even a retelling of scripture. I'm sorry I wasted a couple of hours

[Michael Wojciehoski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novella, quick and relaxing. Dupe, ignoramus, egoist.

[Todd Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wickedly awful story

Such a tragic read of this interpretation of the long told story.