Notes on Mark: Judas' Motivation

Remorso de Judas (Remorse of Judas),
José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior

MARK 14:10-11

10-11 So Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, departed

People feel compelled to explain Judas' betrayal. Some think he intended to force Jesus' hand in establishing his earthly kingdom. Some think he was afraid that Jesus would provoke a Roman reprisal. Some thought that when Judas grasped that Jesus was claiming to be God, he thought he should be tested or punished with death. And others think that Judas, knowing that Jesus was aware of his sinfulness, was moved by guilt to eliminate him. But it is striking that Mark offers no theory at all of Judas' motivation, as if Peter regarded Judas' actions as evil because they had no reason.

The Memoirs of St. Peter by Mark Pakaluk

I actually don't care what the reason was. For one thing, worrying about someone's motivation in the ways mentioned above is relatively modern. The fact that other gospels show Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss is bad enough for me. How can someone betray their best friend? And maybe that's why Mark offers no theory. 

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