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Explanation for:
Matthew
26
:
14
Then went one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, to the chief priests,
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"When did this occur? It was during the time Christ spoke, when He declared, \\"For burial.\\" Judas remained unfazed by this revelation, showing no fear even upon hearing that the gospel was destined to be shared widely, a message imbued with unspeakable power. While various women, including those of ill repute, honored Jesus, Judas was engaged in wickedness. Why, then, do the evangelists mention his name? It is because there was another Judas among them. They candidly remark that Judas was one of the twelve disciples, revealing nothing that would bring shame. They could have simply stated that he was one of Christ's followers, considering there were others, yet they specify that he was one of the twelve, implying he was of the first group, among the most chosen and esteemed disciples who accompanied Peter and John. Their sole concern was to convey the truth without omission. Thus, while they may overlook various indications, they dare not hide anything shameful, boldly declaring all aspects, whether in word or action."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"When the outsider was embraced by those belonging to him, his own rejected him and turned towards those who did not recognize him. The designation linked to his birthplace is included, as there was another Judas known as Jacob."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"When a woman of ill repute has shown such remarkable honor, it is then that the disciple departs to betray Him. The phrase 'Then went' is not used without purpose; it underscores the shamelessness of Judas. The writer included the term 'Iscariot' to distinguish him clearly, as there was another Judas, Levi; this betrayer, however, hailed from a village known as Iscara."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"One of the twelve disciples acted without hesitation when Jesus expressed, “prepared me for burial.” Judas displayed no concern at the news that the Gospel would be shared throughout the world. In contrast, the women and even those of ill repute honored Jesus, while Judas chose to pursue the path of the adversary. The evangelists boldly state that Judas was among the twelve, not shying away from even the most disgraceful details. They could have merely referred to him as a disciple of Christ, as there were others, but they emphasized his association with the twelve, suggesting his place among the most favored of Jesus’ followers who accompanied Peter and John. Their commitment was solely to the truth, ensuring that all events were brought to light."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Sanhedrin sought Judas during that period, having already determined that Jesus would be flattered. It is evident that Judas did not initially offer to betray Jesus prior to the second gathering of the Sanhedrin. Understanding that the Sanhedrin was eager to seize Jesus secretly, Judas hastened to offer his assistance to the influential council. What prompted Judas to engage in such a vile act? Some theorize that Judas, motivated by his expectation of an earthly kingdom for the Messiah, wished to hasten its arrival. The heretical Cainites praised Judas for his betrayal, claiming he was one of the apostles who grasped the profound truth of humanity's salvation through Jesus' death. Some modern commentators echo this sentiment. However, the Evangelists make no suggestion that Judas aimed to usurp authority over the Master; such a belief would simply ease their sorrow for their treacherous companion. In fact, they consistently portray Judas as a soul consumed by greed and avarice. The God-man declares, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed” (Matthew 26:24). Such a stern condemnation does not pertain to someone with a vision of the Messianic kingdom. From the outset of his betrayal, Judas reveals his disposition, asking, “What will you give me for delivering Him to you?” Significantly, he admits to his need for money, demonstrating that he is prepared to betray his Master in exchange for financial gain. This sentiment is echoed in his final confession: “I have betrayed innocent blood,” as he returns the pieces of silver. Thus, it was the desire for wealth that ultimately led Judas to his own ruin. This craving for money had long been rooted in Judas’ heart, slowly nurtured and cultivated further through his actions. Gradually, it extinguished the brightness of his thoughts regarding his heavenly Master and His works. Throughout his ministry, the Savior endeavored to awaken Judas’ conscience to resist temptation, chastising his disbelief with unequivocal declarations (John 6:64). Yet, this insatiable desire grew and eventually overshadowed Judas’ pure thoughts of love, reverence, and gratitude. It compelled him to engage in secret theft (John 12:6) and ultimately spurred him toward betrayal. Now, he is negotiating with villains over the price for which he is willing to hand over the great Teacher, Friend, and Messenger of God. It is sobering to contemplate what an obsession with wealth can lead to. The Apostle’s words ring true: those who strive to be rich fall prey to various foolish and harmful desires that lead people toward destruction and perdition (1 Timothy 6:9). Judas’ ultimate remorse illustrates that, in his greed for those pieces of silver, he overlooked the ramifications of his actions or dismissed them altogether, assuming that his Master would find a way to escape the grip of the Sanhedrin, as He had done previously. Intense desire can cloak the soul in darkness. St. Chrysostom notes that, similar to a drunkard who, while intoxicated, is unaware of the harm until he faces the consequences, so too does sin darken the mind, enveloping it in a dense cloud until the moment of conscience awakens."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"On earth, St. Innocent of Kherson observes, there was a human decree that the Prophet from Galilee should not lose His life before the conclusion of the Passover feast. Yet, in the heavenly council of the Most High, it was ordained that the Lamb of God, who removes the sins of the world, was destined to be sacrificed at the very time the Passover lamb was offered, which had long symbolized Him throughout the ages. In their ignorance, men opposed His eternal decrees and found themselves compelled to fulfill them, quickly deciding to capture and kill Jesus Christ at the earliest chance. This shift in the mindset of the Sanhedrin was instigated by one individual, who approached the chief priests. He claimed to be a former disciple and close companion of Jesus, familiar with all His hidden locations, and offered to help them realize their desire to apprehend Him secretly, ready to utilize all his resources for this objective if the high Sanhedrin would acknowledge his valuable service. This unfortunate soul was Judas Iscariot, who had pretended at the supper in Bethany to care for the world and the needy. His name set him apart from another disciple, Judas, son of James or Levi. Iscariot hailed from the town of Carioth, being the only Judean among the Galileans. He approached the Lord with worldly ambitions and carnal expectations of the Messiah's glorious kingdom. When Judas discerned that the Master was not pursuing an earthly reign and instead spoke of suffering and the cross, he grew weary of following Him and sought to part ways. Yet, even then, he was overtaken by greed: why not exploit his proximity to Jesus to gain some financial reward? The notion of betrayal began to resonate within him. He sought to negotiate with the Lord’s adversaries, and as Innocent of Kherson noted, as the treasurer of the small community of Jesus, Iscariot skillfully maneuvered his way out to conduct shady dealings without raising suspicions. All that he had witnessed over three and a half years faded from his memory; he forgot the divine love of the Master, who had shown him great mercy and allowed him to share in preaching the kingdom of God and performing miracles alongside the others. \\n\\nNow, at the closed gates of the temple in Jerusalem, he approached the guards to inform the chief priests of his urgent matter. \\"Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,\\" revealing his intentions. When? \\"When an unworthy woman, a sinner, would render such an honor, the disciple then proceeds to betray Him!” exclaims St. Chrysostom. “Judas was unmoved by the words of the Lord, ‘prepare Me for burial,’ showing no fear upon hearing the message of the Gospel spreading everywhere—words charged with incomprehensible power. However, when scandalous women honored Jesus, he undertook this diabolical task. For this reason it is stated: then, indicating that one should dare not blame the Master for any weakness when witnessing a disciple's treachery. The Master had the power to draw even sinful women to Himself. One might wonder why He could not likewise attract a disciple? He had the ability to draw the disciple but chose not to force him into righteousness or tug him towards Himself against his will. Then... he departed. The chief priests did not summon him, nor did he feel compelled; he acted entirely on his own, without any advisor to suggest such wickedness. The phrase: one of the twelve is a grave condemnation of this reality. This was the assembly that surrounded the King, the circle near the Master, from which Judas withdrew. \\n\\nThe Holy Church, through the poignant hymns of Great Wednesday, draws a powerful contrast between the Lord's anointing by the woman and Judas’s betrayal, both occurring on the same day. “The sinner comes to You, pouring ointment and tears at Your feet, O Loving One, and by Your command, she is rescued from the foulness of sin; yet the ungrateful disciple, soaking in Your grace, casts this away and is enveloped in degradation, betraying You for greed, O Christ, reflecting Your goodness. When the sinful woman offered precious myrrh, the disciple collaborated with the wicked ones, for she rejoiced in pouring out her costly perfume; but this disciple sought to sell the Priceless One.”"},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As they pondered these matters, one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, had been enticed by Satan with the chance to gain some money by providing a much-needed service to the Sanhedrin. He served as the steward of the purse, the treasurer for Christ's small band of followers, whom the Evangelist John describes as a thief. Identifying himself as one of the twelve, Judas proposed to inform the Sanhedrin of the time and place to apprehend Jesus, assuring them that he would do so discreetly to prevent any disturbance among the people. But what will you give me for such a service? Judas inquired. They were glad and offered him thirty pieces of silver."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Within the chambers of wicked counsel was brought a red-haired Jew, traditionally seen as Judas Iscariot. His slyly glimmering eyes communicated a sense of unrest and greedy desire. Judas, coming from the town of Cariotus in Judea, stood as the sole figure among the apostles who could be genuinely classified as a Jew. He uniquely represents the only individual in Scripture who was condemned to destruction by the Lord Himself, a fate resulting from his sinful affection for worldly gains. Judas embodied those false disciples who followed Christ, anticipating an earthly reign. Yet, as the Savior continually foretold the suffering and death that awaited Him, Judas found his expectations shattered; rather than obtaining a throne, he was confronted with trials and persecutions. Consequently, he resolved to betray his Master to His adversaries, hoping to secure some monetary reward and mitigate his shattered hopes. Greed had become ingrained in his character, and he had long indulged this vice by pilfering from the communal treasury entrusted to him by the apostles. His passion for wealth had grown so intense that he was unable to conceal it from the disciples, who recognized him as a thief. During a supper at Simon’s house, when the Savior rebuked him for his insidious remarks regarding Mary’s generous act, this deepened his bitterness, allowing Satan to take hold of him, and he then plotted to betray Jesus. Under the cover of darkness, he stealthily entered Jerusalem and approached the Sanhedrin. The high-ranking conspirators eagerly awaited him, and when Judas requested a considerable yet trivial favor—thirty pieces of silver—the agreement was swiftly made. The Sanhedrin departed, feeling triumphant in their scheming, while Judas, invoking the powers of darkness, began plotting to achieve his treacherous goal."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"And observe, those individuals who, by the metrics of worldly wisdom, had chosen to delay the completion of an act of divine betrayal, abruptly changed their approach, unwittingly progressing toward the enactment of God's eternal decrees. In the sacred presence of the apostles, the devoted followers of Jesus Christ who witnessed His teachings and miracles, a betrayer had been concealed for an extended period. Despite the Lord’s persistent attempts to make him aware that his malevolent plans, concealed from human eyes, were fully known to the one who discerns the hearts of all, these warnings failed to reach the disciple who drifted into wickedness (John 6:70, 71; 13:11, 18, 21, 26). Of the corrupt motives within Judas Iscariot, his greed for silver was particularly prominent, a fact he displayed during the supper at Lazarus’ home while feigning concern for the needy (John 12:6). As noted by the holy Evangelist Luke, Satan seized control of the traitor's darkened heart (Luke 22:3), compelling the lost son (John 17:12) to commit the grave act of betraying his Master. What a stark contrast exists between good and evil, light and darkness! \\"In that hour,\\" the holy Church proclaims, \\"while the sinner brought forth the precious anointing oil, the disciple conspired with the wicked; one reveled in the act of pouring out the expensive perfume, while the other rushed to trade the Priceless One; one recognized the Lord, while the other distanced himself from Him; one was liberated, and the other enslaved to the foe.\\" The traitor, abandoning the holy fellowship at Bethany, where his soul could no longer reside, retreated to the domain where the original adversary of God and humanity beckoned him—the shadowy place where the murderous scheme against God had long been brewing. \\"What will you give me,\\" Judas inquired of the chief priests and leaders, \\"if I hand Him over to you?\\" This proposal swiftly alleviated the Sanhedrin of the obstacles hindering their sinister intentions. The closest disciple of Jesus, who was well aware of his Master’s whereabouts and daily activities, could now indicate when it would be most advantageous to apprehend the despised Prophet of Galilee quietly, away from the public’s gaze. By capturing Him and immediately handing Him over to the Roman governor, they absolved themselves of any potential backlash should the people become agitated after discovering what had transpired. The holy Gospel writers Mark and Luke explicitly state that the chief priests and leaders rejoiced upon hearing Judas' proposal, anticipating that they could eliminate the Nazarene in the manner they desired—faithfully and discreetly. With eager consent, they agreed to compensate the betrayer with money, though they may have misjudged Judas' expectations regarding the amount, offering him thirty pieces of silver instead. This equates to a silver shekel, which was valued around 90 kopecks during Jesus' time, making thirty shekels approximately 30 rubles. This sum was the typical price for a slave, as outlined in the law of Moses (Exodus 21:32), compensation the Master would receive in the event of loss. By setting such a price, possibly out of disdain for the value of the one betrayed or due to the greed of the traitor, who was easily satisfied, did Christ’s adversaries believe they were fulfilling an ancient prophecy? \\"They,\\" the prophet Zechariah foretold, \\"have assigned My wages at thirty pieces of silver—an esteemed price at which they deemed Me valuable! And I took the thirty pieces of silver and cast them into the Lord's temple for the potter\\" (Zechariah 11:12, 13)."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Then, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, during the meal at Simon the leper's house, one of the twelve disciples, Judas Iscariot, approached the chief priests and proposed to betray Jesus. It is highly likely that this gathering of the Sanhedrin, who sought to capture Jesus through deception, coincided with Judas' visit to the chief priests. It is also possible that Judas, having maintained private communications with certain members of the Sanhedrin concerning the betrayal of Jesus, was aware of their meeting schedule and arrived to offer his assistance at that time. Naturally, the members of the Sanhedrin welcomed his offer; however, they compensated him with the meager sum of thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave, which starkly illustrated their utter disdain for Jesus."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"We must now examine the sinister actions of darkness that the Savior cautioned the Jews against—specifically, the malevolent conspiracies of certain Jews against Jesus. Initially, our focus falls on the disciple who became the vessel for the Jews' malicious plans. What motivated this unfortunate disciple to betray his Master to the Jews for sacrifice? This question is complex and not easily answered. How could a disciple, regarded among the apostles, who daily witnessed the manifestations of divine power in Jesus Christ, having seen His miraculous deeds and experienced His profound love, choose such a grievous path of betrayal? Undoubtedly, he joined the community of disciples without any initial intention of treachery, likely with the same genuine heart as the other apostles. Surely the Lord recognized in him the potential of an apostle; otherwise, He would not have permitted him such close fellowship, nor treated him as He did with the other disciples. However, this acknowledgment does not rule out the possibility that Judas possessed both good and bad traits, and the Lord saw those seeds of evil alongside the beginnings of goodness. The internal conflict between these opposing forces had not yet reached resolution, and there was hope that righteousness would triumph over wickedness. What then was the predominating vice in Judas from which his treachery arose? In seeking historical context for this inquiry, it is reasonable to consider his love for money; the Evangelist John notes that Judas managed the money bag containing the contributions of the Lord's disciples, yet he was unfaithful and pilfered from it for his own gain. This aligns with the consensus of the first three Evangelists who report that Judas conspired to betray his Master to the Sanhedrin for a specific sum of money. From this perspective, one might argue that his greed had escalated to a point where he was willing to commit an atrocious act to fulfill it. Yet this reasoning is not without issues. If greed dominated Judas to such an extent, it seems implausible that the Lord would have accepted him among His disciples. Considering His profound understanding of every heart and His ability to utilize each individual for their greatest potential, how could He entrust a covetous man with the treasury? And if Judas betrayed his Master solely out of avarice, it is perplexing why he settled for a mere thirty pieces of silver. One might surmise that the Sanhedrin, eager to apprehend Jesus before Passover, would not have been miserly if Judas had asked for more. Perhaps they were unwilling to pay a higher price because they had other strategies in mind for capturing the Lord or assumed that He would not resist arrest. Regardless, the small amount of money could not have been the sole motivation for his betrayal. Furthermore, it must be considered that a man who had shared deeply in the ministry of his Master, and who at least regarded Him as the Messiah for some time, must have experienced a shift in his relationship to Jesus compared to the other disciples. Therefore, it may appear that greed was not the primary reason for Judas's betrayal. Did Judas truly anticipate the outcome of his actions? His tragic end and the remorse he displayed upon witnessing Jesus's condemnation suggest he may not have foreseen it. It is believed that Judas sought to expedite events: by placing Jesus in a perilous situation, he hoped to compel Him to reveal Himself as Messiah-King or to use divine power to overcome all opposition. Consequently, when events unfolded differently, and seeing the one he once revered condemned, Judas fell into despair. Such conduct is undeniably reprehensible; immoral means can never sanctify an end. Should the works of God be treated in this manner? What are we to make of this assumption? If Judas held such a misguided perspective, it seems improbable that the Lord would have allowed him to be so consumed by this delusion. Moreover, if such was the case, it is difficult to reconcile that when the Lord discerned Judas's intent to leave the supper, He would have uttered words that seemed to affirm his decision, thus endorsing his nefarious plan. Like the other apostles, it seems likely that Judas approached the Lord with worldly aspirations and carnal hopes. However, upon encountering disillusionment, he grew indifferent to the mission he once passionately embraced. A year prior to Jesus's crucifixion, following a significant dialogue in the synagogue at Capernaum, where many disciples turned away, the Lord indicated that one among them was a devil, referring to Judas. Certainly, Peter also faced admonishment: “Get behind me, Satan; you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23). Yet, Peter's heart was open to repentance. In contrast, Judas’s heart was hardened. Disconnected from the society of Jesus and tethered only by earthly desires, Judas had long ceased to be a true disciple, waiting merely for the opportunity to renounce Him. The Lord endured his presence, partly to influence his soul and partly because He foresaw the prophetic outcome connected to Judas's role (Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray Him, John 6:64). It is essential to reflect on the events during the culmination of the Lord's ministry. From the moment Lazarus's resurrection drew the people's attention, the Sanhedrin's resolve to eliminate Jesus solidified. They sought to determine how this might be executed as the circumstances dictated. Uncertainty loomed regarding Jesus's intentions to enter Jerusalem. Despite their expectations, Jesus boldly appeared in Jerusalem, facing the threats of His enemies, entering with an unprecedented sense of majesty. Meanwhile, the Pharisees lamented their inability to control the situation: “Look,” they said among themselves, “behold, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19). They began to devise schemes to cunningly seize and deliver Him to death (Matthew 26:4). Whether it was through a covert traitor, of whom there were many, or a premeditated plot to capture Him under false pretenses remains unclear. However, it was concluded that action would not occur during the feast but rather before or after it, with the latter option gaining favor. During this decisive moment, Judas Iscariot, one of the Lord's disciples, offered his services to the Sanhedrin, which led to an agreement on a price for his betrayal of his Teacher."}]}
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