ცოდვის ანატომია (მაკა ჯოხაძის რომანზე „ისკარიოტის ეკლები“)
Authors: ჯალიაშვილი მაია 
Published: December 2024

Georgian writer Maka Jokhadze often uses biblical allusions, symbols, and paradigms to depict both enduring values and the most pressing problems of our time. In her works, allusions and inter­textual echoes from the books of the Old and New Testaments, as well as the thoughts of famous Christian theologians, are some­times overt and sometimes expressed through subtle artistic forms. Her new novel "The Thorns of Iscariot" can be called an apocryphal work, as the writer both follows gospel stories and varies them, enriching the narrative with imaginary, invented tales. The author's main task is an artistic representation of the anatomy of sin. For this, she chooses Judas, distinguished by the severity of his sin and his repentance. This novel is a palimpsest, multi-layered and pro­found. It focuses on representing the world, the fundamental laws of life, and eternal moral values.
The portrayal of Judas in Georgian and world literature is characte­rized by diverse interpretations. While some writers adhere to the evange­lical paradigm, others attempt to radically reinterpret it. Maka Jokhadze stands out among authors for neither altering the gospel paradigm of Judas nor changing his canonical image. Instead, she strengthens and deepens it, striving to understand the cosmic origins of evil – an endeavor in which she succeeds admirably. The novel contains allusions to all four Gospels, with the author enriching the narrative by explicitly referencing them.
Maka Jokhadze's novel highlights the religious, philosophical, and psychological aspects of sin. The writer pays attention to how sin is born and with what intentions people commit sins. Besides Judas, there are other sinners in the novel, including Herod Antipas, Herodias, Salome, Caiaphas, Hanna, Dumakh, Abigail, and Rovel. It is important for the author to show the nuances and gradations of sin, and what happens to a person when the seed of goodness within them finally dies. In analyzing Judas's character in the novel, the relationship between the sinner's free will and responsibility is emphasized. The writer also depicts the moral and ethical dilemmas that the characters face. Accordingly, certain sociocultural contexts are drawn. All this shows the reader the universal, seemingly com­plex nature of sin, in the creation of which many factors participate. As a result, the reader expe­riences conflicting feelings of both revulsion and sympathy for Judas. The reader feels sorry for Judas, who, according to the novel, lacked the strength to repent and ask for forgiveness from the Savior.
Maka Jokhadze shows us how sin is born, how it conquers the human soul, heart, and mind, and how it clouds judgment. In Jokhadze's portrayal, Judas is born at the root of evil, and his fate seems predetermined from the very beginning. The writer also touches on the theme of ancient fate. The novel provokes deep reflection in the reader, encouraging introspection. It suggests that while one might find aspects of Judas within oneself, one should not fear this discovery. Instead, the reader is urged to fight against these tendencies, not submit to them, nor cultivate or strengthen them through spiritual or material compromises. Iscariot serves as a model of the world and our everyday existence. From its thorns, crowns of both glory and humiliation are woven. Both paths are painful, and the choice is free. It depends on the individual whether they will follow the path of Christ or Judas.