Joseph of Arimathea and Matthias

 During the 50 Days of Easter, my blog will be musings by Joseph of Arimathea on the amazing happenings of the time between Easter and Pentecost--between the Resurrection and the Coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. Enter with me into this imagined series of recollections by Joseph. (The image today is the  ). Gene Ploss Studio: Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

 After the ascension of Jesus, life was not the same for me. I had seen the rabbi from Nazareth rise into the clouds. I knew he had died on a Roman cross, and I believed that he had come back to life and emerged from my personal grave. To see him disappear from sight was an experience of the Holy that few had experienced. 

Most of the world went on just as it had before the momentous events of the past forty days. Walking the streets of Jerusalem you would not know that a new world order had arrived. Women still went to the markets and wells. Men still conducted business. Roman soldiers still patrolled the streets. The Sadducees and Pharisees still remained at odds over details of our one faith.

It was only the disciples in the upper room who knew that life would not be the same. The apostles chosen by Jesus to be leaders were there. These included Peter and his brother Andrew, the Zebedee brothers John and James. Others in the group were Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, the former tax collector. Also chosen during his ministry were James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. The faithful women included Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Jesus. I was not surprised when Jesus’ brothers also joined the ever-growing assembly. Gradually others who had seen the ascension or met Jesus during his ministry joined the group.

The core group of disciples spent a lot of time in the Temple. They also began to lead daily prayer time with everyone. I made an effort to be present daily and slowly my other duties were abandoned so I could be with the men and women so clearly seeking to worship the Holy One of Israel. The group grew until over 100 who gathered regularly.

One thing I wondered about was if the leadership would replace the traitorous Judas Iscariot. Although one of the chosen Twelve, the man had betrayed his friend and rabbi. I knew that he had received thirty pieces of silver for his help in arresting Jesus. After the trial he had tried to repent by returning the money. The Council decided to use it to buy a field to bury indigent foreigners, as it was now unclean due to the association with betrayal and death. It was known to those in the Upper Room and even around Jerusalem that Judas had hanged himself out of remorse. Some said he had done so in the same field purchased with the blood money. It was even said that he burst open when he died--a gruesome thought. 

I did not ask Peter or the others about Judas. My question was answered not long after the Ascension. Peter addressed the assembly after prayer one morning.

“Friends, you all know of Judas, who though he was numbered with the twelve, chose to betray the Lord. Through his action, scripture was fulfilled. The Lord appointed twelve of us. The Holy Spirit spoke through the Psalms of David as inspiration for what we should do: Let another take his position of overseer. Now we must choose one of the men who has been with us throughout the ministry. Someone who was with us from his baptism by John until now.  This man will join us as witness to his resurrection.”

Peter’s words caused a lot of conversation in small groups around the room. Several names were shouted out, only to be discarded. Finally the names of two well known men, Barsabbas also known as Justus, and Matthias were proposed.

There was a time of prayer led by John. “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Which of these two you have chosen to take apostleship in this ministry in place of Judas.”

After a long period of silence, the two men stood before the group. In a ceremony very similar to the choosing of a High Priest, lots were cast and Matthias chosen. The man looked very surprised. I too thought Barsabbas would be picked because he was better known to the group. 

Barsabbas congratulated his friend heartily. "You are the Lord's chosen instrument, just as we all are. To you falls greater leadership and it is well deserved." 

Matthias clasped hands with each of the apostles and promised to work with them to spread the Good News about the Resurrection of Jesus and the new Kingdom. 

Mary of Magdala broke into a song of praise which the other women joined, and then the men. For me, it was a holy moment. I felt Jesus very close in the room, and wondered if anyone else did as well. I was glad to be part of this group of men and women who so eagerly listened to the guidance of the Holy One of Israel. It was different than the political jockeying that went on in the Sanhedrin.