Judas betrayed Jesus for several reasons according to the biblical accounts and biblical scholarship. Primarily, Judas is said to have betrayed Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver, indicating greed as a motive. Additionally, some gospels suggest that Judas was influenced or possessed by Satan at the time of the betrayal. Another perspective is that Judas was disillusioned because he expected Jesus to be a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule, and when Jesus did not fulfill this expectation, Judas chose to betray him. Also, Judas may have seen the betrayal as a way to force Jesus to act. Lastly, the betrayal is seen by Christian theology as part of God's plan, with Jesus foreseeing and allowing Judas's betrayal for the fulfillment of prophecy and salvation purposes. More specifically:
- The Gospel of Matthew states Judas betrayed Jesus for money (thirty pieces of silver) and later tried to return it after Jesus was condemned.
- The Gospels of Luke and John suggest that Satan entered Judas, influencing his decision to betray Jesus.
- Judas had a role as keeper of the disciples' money bag and was known to steal from it, showing possible greed.
- Some scholars and biblical interpretations show Judas as disillusioned with Jesus's mission, expecting a political revolution rather than a spiritual kingdom.
- Jesus predicted Judas's betrayal at the Last Supper and accepted it as part of divine providence.
These elements together paint Judas as a complex figure driven by greed, possible demonic influence, disappointment, and the unfolding of divine prophecy.
