Several times in scripture we see that the chief priests and Pharisees in their rage wanted to kill Jesus, but something always stopped them. They feared the people’s reaction. Many had come to hear Jesus teach in the temple. Hatred blinded the chief priests to their law and traditions. One of Jesus’ disciples would betray Him and forever brand himself a traitor and complicit in Christ’s crucifixion.
Jesus knew this day would come. He knew who would betray Him. He identified Judas as the traitor among the disciples while they ate their meal. Jesus dipped his bread into the shared bowl between them at the table.
Judas received 30 shekels of silver from the chief priests for betraying Jesus Christ. This small sum showed how little they valued Jesus. This sum fulfilled Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 11:4-14. You can read about the significance of the 30 pieces of silver in “The Deeper Meaning Behind the 30 Pieces of Silver That Judas Received” on Crosswalk.com.
Jesus would endure the injustice of trials that had a fixed outcome. He would suffer brutal beatings. He would listen to people lie about Him. And He would not provide a defense.
Do Examine the items on the table. Count the coins; feel the weight of them; look at the thorns on the “crown” the soldiers forced on Jesus, little knowing they mocked the one, true King of Kings.
Reflect & Engage The Bible portrays Judas, one of the disciples, as known for his thievery. He stole money meant to care for the poor. (John 12) Satan knew he had a willing participant in this scheme. He possessed Judas to ensure he went through with this soul-destroying act of betrayal. How is it possible Judas didn’t see the divinity of Christ? He spent so much time with Jesus. Yes, Judas’ actions were part of prophecy. Fore more, read this answer here on Judas Iscariot. Jesus knew which disciple would betray Him. Still, Christ befriended his enemy. One moment Judas willingly betrayed Christ. The next moment, he despairs of what he’s done and commits suicide. His heart didn’t belong to Jesus. He doesn’t experience Peter’s godly sorrow after. He remained blind to the truth.
Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, You knew who would betray You, and yet You treated him as a friend. You didn’t give a defense, but instead endured the injustice and cruelty of those trials among the very people You would soon go to the Cross to save. And even then, You would pray for those same people as You endured the cross. Give us that same capacity for loving those who hate us in the world. Remind us how we once were children of wrath, but through Your gift of salvation, we are now your brothers and sisters. Thank You for Your promise to us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In Your name, we pray.
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Luke 22: 1-6 “Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
Jesus Brought before Pilate
Matthew 27:1-2 “When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.”
The Waiting Room 