Why did Judas agree to betray Jesus for money in Luke 22:5? Biblical Setting and Immediate Context Luke 22:1–6 frames the conspiracy. “Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve” (v. 3). Judas seeks out the chief priests and temple officers; they “were delighted and agreed to give him money” (v. 5). The timing is Passover week when Jerusalem is swollen with pilgrims. The leaders fear the crowds (22:2), so they need discreet access to Jesus at night—something only an insider can provide. Prophetic Fulfillment 1. Psalm 41:9—“Even my close friend…has lifted up his heel against me.” 2. Zechariah 11:12-13 records thirty pieces of silver cast to the potter—fulfilled in Judas’s later remorse (Matthew 27:3-10). 3. Acts 1:16 cites Psalm 69:25 and 109:8 to explain Judas’s fate. Scripture foresaw betrayal by a covenant companion for a paltry wage, highlighting divine sovereignty. Theological Motives: Greed and Idolatry John 12:4-6 exposes Judas as “a thief…he used to take from what was put into it.” Covetousness had grown unchecked for years. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns that the love of money plunges men “into ruin and destruction.” Judas exemplifies that descent: petty skimming → large-scale betrayal. Satanic Agency and Human Responsibility Luke 22:3; John 13:2, 27 show Satan’s direct influence, yet Judas remains fully culpable. Scripture never absolves him; Jesus calls him “a devil” (John 6:70) and “the son of destruction” (John 17:12). Divine foreknowledge and prophecy do not coerce sin; they reveal it. Disillusionment with Messianic Expectations Many first-century Jews expected a political liberator. When Jesus repeatedly predicted His own death (Luke 9:22; 18:31-34), Judas’s hopes of earthly power likely collapsed. A heart already bent toward mammon found quick payoff more attractive than a suffering Messiah. Economic Details of the Thirty Pieces Archaeological digs in Jerusalem and Tyre yield Tyrian shekels (approximately 14 g, 94 % silver) dated 126 BC–AD 66; these coins matched Temple purity requirements. Thirty such shekels equaled about 120 denarii—roughly four months’ wages for a laborer (cf. Matthew 20:2). The paltry amount underscores Judas’s moral blindness: he trades eternity for a sum far less than the alabaster perfume he once criticized (John 12:5). Psychological Spiral of Sin Persistent theft hardened Judas’s conscience (cf. Hebrews 3:13). Prolonged exposure to Jesus’ miracles without surrender bred cynicism. Like Pharaoh, repeated rejection invited judicial hardening (Exodus 9:12; Romans 1:24-28). Finally, Satan “entered” the vacancy left by unbelief. Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom Acts 2:23 affirms Jesus was “delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge,” yet “you…put Him to death.” Judas’s choice operates within God’s redemptive design; the cross, though facilitated by betrayal, becomes the means of salvation (Romans 5:8). Moral and Pastoral Implications • Spiritual privilege does not guarantee salvation (Matthew 7:22-23). • Small compromises incubate catastrophic sin. • Love of money competes with love for God (Matthew 6:24). • Satan exploits unrepentant desires; vigilance is essential (1 Peter 5:8). Conclusion Judas agreed to betray Jesus for money because covetousness had already enslaved him; Satan capitalized on that greed, and disillusionment with a non-political Messiah supplied rationalization. The transaction fulfilled ancient prophecy, advanced God’s redemptive plan, and warns every generation that unchecked idolatry—and especially the love of money—can still sell out the Savior. |
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