1 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 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. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
Be the Religious Leaders: What are you afraid of?
Because the Passover was coming, the city would be filled with Jews coming from all over the country. Jerusalem would have its largest audience for Jesus ever. I can see why the religious leaders would want to get rid of Jesus… they were afraid the people might actually be swayed by His teaching. They didn’t want a “revolution” on their hands, and they certainly didn’t want the people to “stray”. As a pastor, I can feel for the religious leaders. If someone came into our midst who was highly influential and began teaching things that seemed contrary to our beliefs, I would do what I could to minimize the influence and even ask the person to leave. Of course, I wouldn’t plot to kill that person! But the extent to which the religious leaders would go to get rid of Jesus shows how zealous they were, but also how prideful they were.
Be Judas: Why would you want to betray Jesus? Have you ever “betrayed” Jesus when “no crowd was present”?
Judas’ betrayal of Jesus showed just how far off he was in his thinking. It’s hard to say, but I suspect Judas followed Jesus for several years because he believed Jesus would actually overthrow the Romans and begin a new rule in Israel. I suspect Judas really believed Jesus was the Messiah, but unfortunately, when things began to look bad for Jesus (I mean Jesus started talking about being killed and all), and when Judas’ picture of Jesus began to conflict with who Jesus really was, Judas gave up. He wanted no part of Jesus anymore. He wasted three years of his life for Jesus, and it got him nowhere. He had to get something out of the deal, but as it was, he would be associated with Jesus, and he might suffer the same fate as Jesus. So I can see why Judas would take advantage of the opportunity to make some money, while also allying himself with the religious leaders. Judas was only interested in protecting himself while making a buck.
I can understand Judas’ disapppointment. I can’t relate to it, but I can understand it. In his mind, he wasted precious years of his life thinking he was going to be a prominent figure in Israel’s new kingdom. Things weren’t working out as he had hoped and planned. I can think of some people who have experienced similar disappointments. In their minds, God has failed them. He didn’t meed their expectations. Why is it that this story makes me sad? People walk away from Jesus because He offered them something different than they expected.
Have I ever betrayed Jesus out of disappointment? Out of unfulfilled expectations? Probably I have. To be honest, though, I don’t often get mad at God. I really do believe He has my best interest in mind. But I have had a relatively easy life. Really I have. God has blessed me with so much – how could I ask for more? I think after today’s passage, I feel very thankful for God’s blessings, but also very sad with a little bit of compassion for those who aren’t experiencing the joy of the Lord.