Why did Judas Iscariot betray Jesus?

Reflecting on this a few years back, I imagined Judas might answer like this:

“I’ve been asked many times what it was like being a disciple of Jesus, but the truth is, I never felt I truly fit in. I was the only one from the south of Judea and frankly, I found the other 11 to be uncouth ruffians who couldn’t even speak properly.

But as far as Jesus goes, I liked Him, I truly did. I was deeply moved by His message of love, but He frustrated me. I had seen Him heal people and even raise the dead – He could have made a fortune – but He was completely devoid of any desire for money or personal gain.

And then came the “anointing” at Bethany. I branded Him a hypocrite. Having warned so often about the danger of the love of money, He gladly accepted this woman’s wasteful action of pouring perfume all over Him! (Truthfully, I wanted to sell it and skim a little of the top for my own pockets).

So, I betrayed Him.

For 30 pieces of silver, the price of a mere slave.

Some have suggested I was disillusioned with His “noble” cause, but that isn’t why.

I did it for the money – I was greedy and if I couldn’t get wealthy from following Jesus, then I would make my money by selling Him out.

Don’t get me wrong. I liked Jesus, and I loved His principles, but I couldn’t buy in to all His “dying to self, pick up your cross” stuff. I wanted to follow Him, but I didn’t want to get fanatical about it.

That’s why I betrayed Him.”

In betraying Jesus, Judas lost His soul.

Jesus warned us of this danger when He said:

“What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Why did Judas turn his back on Jesus – why do any of us? Whatever the reason, it will cost you your soul.

Today’s Bible reading: Mark 14:10-21