Judas Iscariot
The relationship between Jesus and Judas is very important in this film, and how it is viewed by Christians is very interesting.
Jesus (centre) or Judas (left)? Take your pick.
First of all, Judas in this canon is certainly not the Judas of the New Testament. He is not depicted as evil or a traitor. Judas was merely acting under orders because he was the strongest disciple (see "Before its Time?" above). Judas was a religious zealot who, at first was sent to kill Jesus. He accepted his teachings instead and somewhat reluctantly became a follower. At first he was disgusted by Jesus making crosses for those who oppress them. Although he began to trust Jesus and see him as the son of God. Judas seemed to understand Jesus the most and was by far the most commited disciple to the cause. With a tendency to fight more than love, Jesus and he contrasted each other.
What made Judas's character so controversial was that some viewers considered him more wise and brave than Jesus. He is considered a stronger character to some because he confronts Jesus after Christ is shown as an old man, not having died for the sins of the Jews (see "Temptation of Jesus"). Judas has done his part, although Christ wavered and did not die as planned by God. Although this did not eventually happen, it is an intriguing point referring the character of Judas himself.