Jesus the Son of Man · Chapter
Cyborea the Mother of Judas explained
Cyborea, the mother of Judas Iscariot, defends her son's honor and expresses her grief and disbelief over his reported suicide.
What happens
Cyborea, the mother of Judas Iscariot, defends her son's honor and expresses her grief and disbelief over his reported suicide. She recalls his early life, his hatred for the Romans, and his decision to follow Jesus, which she opposed. She insists Judas betrayed no one and asks to be left alone, directing the inquirer to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Themes in this chapter
Misunderstanding and Betrayal
Cyborea's refusal to accept Judas's betrayal reflects the theme of misunderstanding, as she sees his actions as loyalty to Israel rather than treachery.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Cyborea's grief and the 'sword in her heart' echo the suffering of mothers who lose their children, paralleling Mary's own sorrow.
Characters to notice
- Judas of Iscariot
Cyborea's son, remembered as a good and upright man who loved his kin and hated the Romans. She refuses to believe he betrayed Jesus.
- Cyborea
The mother of Judas, who speaks of her son's life and her grief, insisting on his innocence.
- Jesus
Referred to as Jesus of Nazareth, whom Judas followed, and whom Cyborea believes Judas did not betray.
- Mary
Mentioned by Cyborea as another mother with a sword in her heart, to whom she directs the inquirer.
Key passages
“My son was but seventeen when he was caught shooting arrows at the Roman legion passing through our vineyard.”
At seventeen, my son was caught shooting arrows at Roman soldiers marching through our vineyard.
Cyborea recalls an early act of resistance against the Romans.
“And now they tell me he is dead by his own hand; that he flung himself from the High Rock in remorse because he had betrayed his friend Jesus of Nazareth.”
Now they say he killed himself, throwing himself off the High Rock because he felt guilty for betraying his friend Jesus of Nazareth.
Cyborea recounts the reported manner of Judas's death.
“I know my son is dead. But I know he betrayed no one; for he loved his kin and hated none but the Romans.”
I know my son is dead, but I am certain he betrayed no one, because he loved his people and only hated the Romans.
Cyborea firmly denies Judas's betrayal.