3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. (Luke 22:3-5 KJV)
Judas to Betray Jesus
As the Feast of Unleavened Bread was approaching, Jesus’ enemies were plotting to kill him (Luke 22:1-2). Their major challenge in their attempt to kill Jesus is the people. Should they attempt to arrest Jesus in public, the people would rise against them in a violent riot.
As they were plotting and did not know how to deal with the challenge, a treacherous disciple then joined their scheme—Judas, called Iscariot, one of the twelve, that special chosen group. One would wonder how Christ, who knew all men, would allow a traitor into that number, and how one who knew Christ so well could stoop so low as to betray Him. But Christ had wise and holy reasons for allowing Judas to be among the disciples. How Judas came to betray Him is also revealed: Satan entered into him (Luke 22:3). It was the devil’s doing, hoping to sabotage Christ’s mission.
But what was intended to crush Christ turned out to be only the bruising of His heel. Anyone who betrays Christ, His truth, or His ways, is acting under Satan’s influence. Judas knew the chief priests wanted to arrest Christ but needed someone familiar with His private habits. He offered himself and initiated the plan (Luke 22:4). It’s often difficult to say whether more damage is done to Christ’s cause by its open enemies or by the treachery of false friends—yet without the latter, the former could hardly succeed. When Judas is seen conferring with the chief priests, it’s certain no good is in progress.
The result of their meeting was this:
- Judas would lead them to a place where they could arrest Jesus quietly and without causing a public uproar—something they were eager to do.
- They would pay him for it, which he was eager to receive (Luke 22:5). Once the deal was made, Judas looked for the right moment to betray Jesus. He likely asked Peter and John—who were closer to Jesus—about His plans after the Passover, and they didn’t suspect his motives. One way or another, he soon found the opportunity and arranged the time and place for the betrayal, when the crowds wouldn’t be around.