14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. (Matthew 26:14-16 NIV)
Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus
Immediately after an act of great kindness toward Christ, we see an act of extreme betrayal. Among Christ’s followers, there were both faithful friends and false ones. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, made an agreement with the chief priests to betray Christ.
Judas’ betrayal was particularly shameful because he was one of Christ’s chosen twelve, who had received His special favor and constant teaching. He had every reason to love and remain loyal to Christ, yet he turned against Him. This shows that no bond of duty or gratitude can restrain a corrupt heart.
Judas approached the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me?” (Matthew 26:15). They had not sought him out, nor expected that one of Christ’s own disciples would betray Him. But some among Christ’s followers are far worse than you could ever imagine, only waiting for the right opportunity to show their true nature.
Judas promised to hand Jesus over in a way that would avoid public uproar. The religious leaders had long sought to arrest Jesus but lacked an opportunity to do so privately. Judas provided the solution. Those deeply involved in religious work, if their hearts are not right with God, can do great harm. If Judas had not been an apostle, he could not have been a traitor.
Judas’ motivation was pure greed. Jesus had never mistreated him or given him reason to turn against Him. Judas had even been entrusted with handling the group’s money, despite his dishonesty (John 12:6). His betrayal was not driven by hatred or personal conflict but by the love of money.
The chief priests agreed to pay him thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32). This was a shameful undervaluing of Christ. If the King of Zion was sold so cheaply, it is no surprise that His followers are often disregarded. The priests paid Judas in advance, securing his commitment.
From that moment, Judas actively looked for the right time to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16). Instead of repenting, he pressed forward with his plan. It is a terrible thing when people deliberately seek opportunities to sin. Though Judas had time to turn back, his bargain with evil had trapped him. The devil now had a stronger hold on him, convincing him to keep his word to the priests, even if it meant betraying his Master.