Judas

media type="youtube" key="H8NAIMJAiK0?rel=0" height="346" width="462" By: Natalie, Johann, Matt =__**Judas**__=



Explanation of the story of Judas:
Judas Iscariot is known for being one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and is best knows for the betrayal of Jesus. One of Judas's greatest weaknesses was money. His betrayal of Jesus was for thirty pieces of silver. He betrayed Jesus with the kiss of Judas which identified Jesus to the soldiers. Although one of his main motives to betray Jesus was for money, there are multiple other thoughts as to why he comitted his betrayal. Some believe Judas thought Jesus was going to overthrow Isreal, therefor betraying him; others believe Jesus himself told Judas to betray him. Most Christians consider Judas a traitor, and his name has entered many languages, being the synonym for betrayer. It is believed that after the betrayal, Judas returned the money to the priest and comitted suicide by hanging himself. ("Judas Iscariot")

**Place in Literature:**
The story of Judas Iscariot is commonly refrenced throughout literature, one prominent example is seen in the movie, Count of Monte Cristo. This story embodies one friend betraying another friend for personal gain. In the film Fernand Mondego betrays Edmond Dantes, due to his jealousy of his professional success and his soon to be wife, Mercedes. Mondego falsley accuses Dante of treason, which results in Dante's being sent to prison and Mondego marrying Mercedes. The story of Judas is seen in the plot of Monte Cristo, in one friend betraying another friend for his own gain. ("Hickey")

**Exploration of how the story functions within a text:**
"And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straight way to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him." - Mark XIV ("Hymns")

Within this passage, it is obvious Judas shows no respect for Jesus, his authority, as a he betrays him. When Judas calls out "...Master, Master" it shows his mockery as he disrespects Jesus's authority and power. It is also seen that Judas shows alittle regret for his actions in that he asks to take Jesus away "safely".

**"Tip-Offs":**
As as an archetype, the theme of Judas in literary works notibly places a focus on rivalry of friends, dealing with money. Another tip off can be seen similarly to Judas's kiss, in that he wants others to realize who he betrayed, which could be seen in a mocking gesture in modern literature. Alot of times in modern literature, two friends will work together and one experiences more success, which leads to jealousy and perhaps betrayal.

**Examples of the story of Judas in pop culture and temporary literature:**
("Scorsese")
 * The Count of Monte Cristo- Dante (seen as Jesus) and Mondego (seen as Judas)
 * The Departed- Colin Sullivan (seen as Judas) and Billy Costigan (seen as Jesus)

("Allers")
 * The Lion King- Scar (seen as Judas), Mufasa (Seen as Jesus)
 * The recording artist, Lady Gaga wrote a song titled "Judas" in 2011. Being a metaphor and an analogy about forgiveness and betrayal and the tings that haunt you in life. []
 * The Story of Benedict Arnold and his betrayal of the United States for England

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 * Gladiator- General Maximus Decimus (Jesus) and Commodus (Judas)
 * The Tragedy of Julius Cesaer- Cesear is assasinated by Marcus Brutus