Matthew 26:14-16, Judas to Betray Jesus

14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Comments

Only mentioned previously in 10:4, Judas Iscariot became a chief player. He went to the chief priests on his own initiative to be compensated for information. Why did he do what he did? Disillusioned with Jesus’ Messianic leadership, he wanted to get out before it was too late and save his own skin. He may have concluded, like Saul of Tasus, that Jesus was a false prophet. So the scene is set. They pay him thirty pieces of silver, the same amount paid to an owner as compensation for the loss of a slave. The devotion of the faithful woman who anointed Jesus is counterpointed by the cold, calculated betrayal of Judas.

Prayer

O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(BCP, p. 816)