The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also called Passover, drew near. The high priests and religious scholars were looking for a way to do away with Jesus but, fearful of the people, they were also looking for a way to cover their tracks. That’s when Satan entered Judas, the one called Iscariot. He was one of the Twelve. Leaving the others, he conferred with the high priests and the Temple guards about how he might betray Jesus to them. They couldn’t believe their good luck and agreed to pay him well. He gave them his word and started looking for a way to betray Jesus, but out of sight of the crowd.

Luke 22:1-6 (Message)

The betrayal of Judas was the work of the devil.

Judas decided to turn against Jesus because he was only thinking about himself and what he could gain from doing so. Satan seizes the opportunity to tempt Judas when the religious leaders only offer him thirty pieces of money in exchange for his betrayal.

Why did Judas betray Jesus?

It was because Jesus fell short of his expectations. This is what separates true believers in Jesus from the spirit of religion. Judas followed Jesus as long as Jesus fit his preconceived idea of what Jesus should be and what Jesus should do.

Will you ever betray Jesus like Judas?

Most likely we say we won’t. But like Peter, we can deny Jesus when we feel awkward or uncomfortable about standing strong in our convictions. However, Peter learned to trust Jesus again and became one of his great witnesses. But unlike Judas, we don't have to get stuck in our guilt and shame.

When God doesn’t work according to your plan or timing, be humble and keep in mind that He works in ways that are beyond our comprehension. Don’t walk away or harden your heart. We run the risk of losing faith when we choose to take offence at what God does or does not do.

Judas was a thief because he embezzled money and had no compassion for the poor and underprivileged. He remained largely untouched by the gospel even after spending three years with Jesus. However, God’s grace is often beyond our understanding. Though Judas killed himself, he actually died as an honest man because he repented of betraying Jesus and returned the money to the priests (Matt. 26:14-16; 27:3).

Learn to remain steadfast despite temptation or pressure to abandon your faith.