Eyewitness to the Crucifixion: Judas, Sells for Thirty Pieces of Silver
Last week, we discussed what a hypocrite Judas was.
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. {Luke 22:1-2}
Once again, we are reminded Passover is approaching. The chief priests and teachers are tired of Jesus and the people crowds he attracts.
Matthew Henry says, “His sworn enemies contriving it the chief priests, men of sanctity, and the scribes, men of learning, seeking how they might kill him, either by force of fraud. Could they have had their will, it had been soon done, but they feared the people, and the more for what they now saw of their diligent attendance upon his preaching.”
3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. Luke 22:3}
Notice that Satan enters Judas. Satan wants to do everything possible to thwart God’s will and way, but ultimately he can’t be thwarted.
“It was the devil’s work, who thought hereby to ruin Christ’s undertaking, to have broken his head; but it proved only the bruising of his heel. Whoever betrays Christ, or his truths or ways, it is Satan that puts them upon it. “ {Matthew Henry Commentary}
4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. {Luke 22:3-4}
Can you see the glee on the chief priests faces? Here was one of Jesus inner circle, offering to turn him over to them. Desiring to help them and place their enemy right into their hands.
They were delighted and agreed to give him money. {Luke 22:5}
They were paying Judas for his services.
“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}
Matthew tells us that Judas sold Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver.
A search for thirty pieces of silver, tells us it’s the equivalent of between $185 to $216 in today’s currency.
They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. {Mark 14:10; Luke 22:6}
Now Judas had to wait for the perfect opportunity to hand Jesus over to them.