MPV Commentary

Conspiracy of the Jewish Authorities to Put Jesus to Death--Compact with Judas.

The events leading up to Jesus' betrayal are described in Matthew 26:1-5 as well.

Then Satan entered into Judas, but this was not yet a complete takeover. The stages of his corruption were these:

First, Judas's love of money became his master. Jesus entrusted him with the responsibility of managing their finances (John 12:6), and Judas began to use this position for personal gain by stealing from the bag on multiple occasions.

Satan saw an opportunity to exploit Judas's weakness and decided to enter into his heart, but cautiously (2 Corinthians 2:11). At first, he merely suggested the idea of betraying Jesus as a way to enrich himself. This thought likely solidified into a settled purpose after what happened in Simon's house at Bethany (Matthew 26:6; John 12:4-8).

However, Judas was initially hesitant or held back from carrying out his plan. It wasn't until they sat down for the Passover meal that Satan fully entered into him, and his conscience was effectively silenced (John 13:27). Only later did it rise up to torment him.

The price agreed upon for Jesus' betrayal was thirty pieces of silver, equivalent to about four or five pounds in modern currency. This amount was also the fine payable for accidentally killing a slave or servant (Exodus 21:32), and Judas saw himself as being valued at this price by his fellow Jews (Zechariah 11:13).

The chief priests were looking for an opportunity to arrest Jesus, but they needed someone to identify him.