John, like Luke, also mentions Satan’s role in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus (13:27). John also assigns Judas a motive for his objection: “He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions” (12:6). It is the only Gospel that names Judas as the one who was outraged at the waste when a woman poured perfume on Jesus’ feet, estimating that it could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money be given to the poor (see Jn 12:1-8). John’s Gospel is harshest in its treatment of Judas. But Luke offers a new wrinkle: Satan first “entered into Judas” (22:3) before he met with the chief priests and scribes to plot Jesus’ arrest. Mark and Luke also tell about Judas selling out Christ to the high priests (see Mk 14:10-11 Lk 22:1-6). It also is the only account that tells of how Judas later regretted his actions, threw the money back at the chief priests and hanged himself (27:3-5). Matthew’s Gospel is unique in mentioning the 30 pieces of silver as the price Judas was paid for the betrayal (see 26:15). All four Gospels point to this as at least a contributing motive.
Theories About Motivesįirst is the theory that Judas betrayed Jesus because he was greedy for money. Let’s examine first the main theories, all derived from Scripture.
How could anyone knowingly, willingly commit such a horrible act against the innocent Lamb of God, the Savior of the world? Some explanations seem designed to mitigate Judas’ guilt by portraying him as one who was not so much sinister as weak, confused or simply trying to be helpful. Scripture is clear in naming him as the turncoat, but his motivation has long been the subject of speculation. As Jesus’betrayer, he has an unequaled notoriety - and rightly so. Judas Iscariot has long been one of the most fascinating characters in the New Testament.
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