I've always thought of this song as a sort of dialogue or the surmising of the events between Judas and Jesus prior to Christ's crucifixion.
Judas would be the best man who was did not fit in (hence the size too small). The best man is a reference to the fact that all of humanity is the bride to Jesus, who is the bridegroom. Judas was one of Jesus' closest friends and questioned whether or not to put off what had been promised to him by Jesus (inheritance). Prior to Jesus' crucifixion, he wondered where Judas had gone (went to turn in Jesus), but he continued on ("arise us all...").
The chorus is playing on the idea that, even though Judas betrayed him, Jesus still acknowledges him and is dying for him as well as the rest of humankind (the "I still owe you" part).
The song then goes on to play on the fact that Judas surprised many by his actions, although Jesus already knew. And then it speaks in not only Judas' voice, but also the voice of all sinners. It is saying if I, as a sinner, begin to love the sins I am committing, will Jesus still be able to find room to forgive me ("size for all of me")?
I understand that Sufjan allegedly gave an explanation for this song, but I feel that this is an accurate breakdown of the song's meaning.
I've always thought of this song as a sort of dialogue or the surmising of the events between Judas and Jesus prior to Christ's crucifixion.
Judas would be the best man who was did not fit in (hence the size too small). The best man is a reference to the fact that all of humanity is the bride to Jesus, who is the bridegroom. Judas was one of Jesus' closest friends and questioned whether or not to put off what had been promised to him by Jesus (inheritance). Prior to Jesus' crucifixion, he wondered where Judas had gone (went to turn in Jesus), but he continued on ("arise us all...").
The chorus is playing on the idea that, even though Judas betrayed him, Jesus still acknowledges him and is dying for him as well as the rest of humankind (the "I still owe you" part).
The song then goes on to play on the fact that Judas surprised many by his actions, although Jesus already knew. And then it speaks in not only Judas' voice, but also the voice of all sinners. It is saying if I, as a sinner, begin to love the sins I am committing, will Jesus still be able to find room to forgive me ("size for all of me")?
I understand that Sufjan allegedly gave an explanation for this song, but I feel that this is an accurate breakdown of the song's meaning.